Name: Gianfranco Alessandria Barolo DOCG 2021 750ml
Brand: Gianfranco Alessandria
SKU: 998973
Price: 36.94 USD
Availability: InStock
Rating: 93 (2 reviews)

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Winery

Gianfranco Alessandria

Shop all from Gianfranco Alessandria

Varietal

Nebbiolo

The Nebbiolo grape varietal is widely understood to be the fruit responsible for Italy's finest aged wines. However, its popularity and reliability as a grape which gives out outstanding flavors and aromas has led it to be planted in many countries around the world, with much success. These purple grapes are distinguishable by the fact that they take on a milky dust as they begin to reach maturity, leading many to claim that this is the reason for their unusual name, which means 'fog' in Italian. Nebbiolo grapes produce wines which have a wide range of beautiful and fascinating flavors, the most common of which are rich, dark and complex, such as violet, truffle, tobacco and prunes. They are generally aged for many years to balance out their characteristics, as their natural tannin levels tend to be very high.

Country

Italy

There are few countries in the world with a viticultural history as long or as illustrious as that claimed by Italy. Grapes were first being grown and cultivated on Italian soil several thousand years ago by the Greeks and the Pheonicians, who named Italy 'Oenotria' – the land of wines – so impressed were they with the climate and the suitability of the soil for wine production. Of course, it was the rise of the Roman Empire which had the most lasting influence on wine production in Italy, and their influence can still be felt today, as much of the riches of the empire came about through their enthusiasm for producing wines and exporting it to neighbouring countries. Since those times, a vast amount of Italian land has remained primarily for vine cultivation, and thousands of wineries can be found throughout the entire length and breadth of this beautiful country, drenched in Mediterranean sunshine and benefiting from the excellent fertile soils found there. Italy remains very much a 'land of wines', and one could not imagine this country, its landscape and culture, without it.

Region

Piedmont

Situated in the north-western part of Italy, the region of Piedmont is known worldwide and is highly respected for the quality of the wines produced there. Many of the most successful sub-regions in Piedmont produce many of the world's finest red wines, such as those made from the excellent Nebbiolo grape varietal in areas such as Barolo and Barbaresco. However, the historic wineries which typify this region use a relatively wide variety of grapes, including Dolcetto and Barbera for their red wines, which are typically aged and have a delightful velvety character. Piedmont isn't all about beautifully complex red wines, though, as it is also famed for high quality, elegant sparkling wines, notably the Asti wines made with the white Moscato grape. The region benefits from a range of terroirs which are often well expressed in the sparkling wines, and a wonderfully consistent climate ideal for vineyard cultivation.

Appellation

Barolo

Barolo’s star grape is Nebbiolo, a finicky yet expressive variety that reaches its zenith this unique terroir. The region’s distinct microclimates and soils contribute to Nebbiolo’s complexity, resulting in wines with robust tannins, high acidity, and exceptional aging potential. Barolo wines, often referred to as “the king of wines,” are characterized by their deep garnet hue and complex bouquet, offering aromas of roses, tar, truffles, and red fruit. The aging process is significant, requiring at least 38 months, with a minimum of 18 months spent in wooden casks. This meticulous craftsmanship results in wines that evolve beautifully over time, displaying a harmonious balance of power and finesse. For wine enthusiasts, exploring Barolo provides a captivating journey into the rich tapestry of Italian winemaking, showcasing the profound marriage of tradition, terroir, and Nebbiolo’s distinctive expression.

WA 94pts

Wine Advocate

The Gianfranco Alessandria 2021 Barolo shows terrific balance with dark fruit, crushed flowers, licorice and cinnamon sweetness from oak aging. The wine matures in 225-liter French barrel, with 20% new wood. From this vantage point, while the wine is so young, you can already see how it will come together with bottle age thanks to silky tannins and crunchy fruit. However, the alcohol content is high at 15%. This is a production of 15,000 bottles plus some magnums.

JD 92pts

Jeb Dunnuck

Pouring a bright red color, the 2021 Barolo is forward on the nose with cedar and sawdust before opening to more pure notes of redcurrants, orange zest, smoky spices, and fresh rosy perfume. The palate is compact and medium-bodied with a taut structure, angular and dusty tannins, and an even spine of acidity, its oakier aromas lasting on the back palate. I think the oak notes will start to integrate with another 6-12 months, and it has the structure to drink well over the next 7-8 years. It has an attractive personality overall.

Winery Notes

The Gianfranco Alessandria Barolo DOCG offers a captivating sensory experience that exemplifies the quality of this renowned Italian wine. On the nose, it presents rich and warm aromas of ripe red fruits, abundant in spice, with a pronounced licorice presence that melds harmoniously with inviting oak notes. The palate is a fruit-forward delight, bursting with ripe cherries and raspberries in their most decadent jam and candied forms. Complementary oak spice notes enhance the fruit, creating a complex and well-balanced flavor profile. This Barolo showcases a harmonious blend of ripe fruit characteristics, spice elements, and well-integrated oak influences. The combination of rich red fruits, licorice, and warm spices results in an inviting and intricate flavor profile typical of high-quality Barolo wines. The fruit-forward nature of this vintage suggests a wine that is approachable and enjoyable even in its youth while still maintaining the depth and complexity expected from a Barolo DOCG.