Vinum Vitae Est Barolo DOCG Riserva 2017

Product Info

The Riserva is the cooperative's most patient expression of Barolo, made for the cellar and for special occasions. It is 100% Nebbiolo from calcareous clay vineyards, hand-picked in October and fermented on the skins at 28-30°C for around 16-20 days in a controlled atmosphere. After malolactic fermentation the wine matures for a full 62 months, including at least 18 months in large 25-50 hectolitre French oak casks, well beyond the standard Barolo requirement.

The extra time shows in the glass. Expect a deep garnet colour with orange edges, and an elegant, layered nose of violet, red fruit and leather that continues to open with air. The palate is structured yet harmonious, with persistent, softened tannins and a long finish. At 14.5% ABV it has both power and finesse, and will keep rewarding cellaring for years.

Serve at 18-20°C, decanted well ahead of time. It is superb with slow-cooked lamb, braised or roast game, dishes with Alba white truffle and well-aged hard cheeses.

About the producer

Terre del Barolo is a growers' cooperative based in Castiglione Falletto, founded in 1958 by local schoolteacher and mayor Arnaldo Rivera. Today around 300 member growers farm more than 600 hectares across the eleven villages of the Barolo appellation, and every wine is made exclusively from Langhe grapes. Vinum Vitae Est ("wine is life"), or VVE, is the cooperative's signature range.

About the region

The Langhe sits in Piedmont, in Italy's north-west, around the town of Alba. Its steep, rolling vineyard hills are home to Nebbiolo, Barbera and Dolcetto, and the area is recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage wine landscape.