Essenze Barolo del Comune di Serralunga DOCG 2016 Vite Colte

The Power of Nebbiolo in the Serralunga Terroir: The Philosophy of Vite Colte Essenze

The Vite Colte Essenze Barolo del Comune di Serralunga d'Alba DOCG 2016 stands within the Langhe winemaking landscape as a monumental, proud, and structurally rigorous expression of the Nebbiolo variety. This prestigious selection embodies the quintessence of a territory celebrated for producing austere, deep red wines built to challenge decades of bottle aging. The agronomic project merges the ancient knowledge and passion of a tight network of associated farmers, interpreting Piedmont's wise tradition through a strict and protective cellar protocol. Conceived to merge a solid polyphenolic matrix with a superb expressive fineness, this Barolo commands attention as a collector's bottle of invaluable regional depth.

Piedmontese Marly Geometries and Extended Aging Protocol in Noble Wood

The vine rows delve their roots into the steep slopes of Serralunga, characterized by the historic Lequio Formations—a unique geological matrix composed of marly-limestone alternated with compact layers of sand and sandstone. This pedoclimatic habitat of absolute excellence forces the root system deep into the earth, transferring a powerful matrix of tannins and a solid mineral footprint to the black grape. The growing cycle of the 2016 vintage, a historic and celebrated year for its exceptional seasonal balance, favored gradual and complete phenolic ripening of the skins. Following the manual harvest, fermentation takes place in temperature-controlled stainless steel vats with extended macerations. The mass subsequently undergoes extended aging in oak casks, a protocol precisely calibrated to polish the texture without altering an alcohol content of 14.00% Vol.

Sensory Profile and Organoleptic Assessment

Extended horizontal rest in the darkness of the cellar combined with the mineral nature of the Lequio Formations outlines an organoleptic framework of imposing tertiary complexity for this noble Piemonte red wine.

• Blend and Classification: 100% Nebbiolo / Barolo del Comune di Serralunga d'Alba DOCG / Still red wine.
• Analytical Data (2016 Vintage): Alcohol Content: 14.00% Vol. / Extended maturation in oak barrels / Volume: 750 ml.
• Visual Assessment: Deep, brilliant ruby red color of outstanding luminosity in the glass, enriched by elegant and vivid garnet highlights upon swirling, demonstrating a dense chromatic weave.
• Olfactory Framework: Broad, tight, and beautifully complex tertiary bouquet. A refined profile emerges on the nose, dominated by sharp consistent floral scents of dried rose and wild underwood berries, perfectly integrated with intense spicy notes of sweet vanilla, balsamic puffs, and subtle background recalls of dark earth.
• Palate Characteristics: The tasting reveals a dry, warm profile endowed with a beautiful gustatory tension. The progression displays a full, harmonious, and beautifully structured body where the vibrant acidic backbone supports the pour and guarantees its outstanding gastronomic fluidity. The tannic texture is tight, mature, and perfectly polished, guiding development toward a long, savory finish of extraordinary persistence.

Service Advice and Gastronomic Pairings

The thickness of the structural architecture, balanced tannins, and aromatic richness of this Serralunga Barolo qualify it as an ideal companion for fine dining and flavor-rich traditional land-based cuisine.

• Stable Pairings: It pairs magnificently alongside second courses based on prominent baked red meats, traditional braised dishes, and slow-cooked rich stews. It excels paired alongside hearty traditional dishes like warm polenta with game or wild boar sauces, rich crostini topped with black truffle, flavorful first courses, and traditional fondue with truffles. It displays fine synergy when paired alongside flavorful goat cheeses, intense blue cheeses, and selections of very long-aged hard Parmesan cheeses.
• Serving Method: To promote the development of the rich tertiary profile and ensure proper tannin integration, opening the bottle and decanting it in advance is recommended, using a wide tasting glass of Grand Ballon type at a serving temperature of 17 - 18°C.