Elio Altare 2017 Langhe Rosso, Giarborina, DOC

Elio Altare 2017 Langhe Rosso, Giarborina, DOC

Item Number: 15340

UPC: None

Country: Italy
Region: Piedmont
Sub Region: Langhe
Appellation/AVA: Langhe DOC
Estate Grown Wine: Yes
Vineyard Designation: Arborina
Vintage: 2017
Grape(s): 100% Nebbiolo
Type: Wine - Red
Bottle Size: 750 ml
Pack: 6
Closure: Cork
Alc by Vol(%): 14.5
Viticulture: Practicing Organic
Soil Type: Clay and sand

Winemaking Notes: The grapes are harvested by hand. The grapes macerate with their skins at a controlled temperature in rotary fermenters for 3-4 days. The wine ages in 100% new French oak barrels for 18 months. Fermentation occurs naturally with indigenous yeast as does the malolactic fermentation. The wine is not fined, filtered, or clarified. No substances that could modify the color or the structure of the wine is ever used.

Vineyard Notes: The Langhe Giarborina is the same wine Altare previously sold as Langhe Arborina; new regulations have forbidden the use of a vineyard name for Langhe Nebbiolos. The vines are very old: one parcel planted in 1948 and one planted in 1989.

Vintage Notes from Vinous 2/2020: "Flowering took place over just four days, which is quite fast. The entire year was warm, especially in August, which led to a harvest that was about ten days earlier than normal. As for the wines, they are positively stunning across the board. At a time when so many growers have shifted towards a more classic style, Silvia Altare told me she has no plans to change the approach that has made her family's wines so highly coveted all over the world. It's hard to argue with that, especially given how deeply personal and compelling these artisan wines are." - Antonio Galloni

Reviews

  • The Wine Advocate
    Rating: 94+ (7/23/2020)
    This wine is almost a Barolo for all practical purposes, save for the fact is it released one year early. The Elio Altare 2017 Langhe Giàrborina draws its fruit from the Arborina vineyard in La Morra, and if you look closely, you will see that its fantasy name reflects the vineyard name. This is a beautiful wine, offered at an appropriate price point that reflects the care and precision of the final results. Dark fruit (blackberry and plum) is folded within smoke, tar and black licorice. Thanks to 18 months in new oak, you'll find that the darkness and richness of the fruit is supplemented by sweet oak tannins and texture.
  • Vinous
    Rating: 95 (2/21/2020)
    The 2017 Langhe Giarborina is gorgeous. A wine of dramatic sweetness and intensity, the 2017 is utterly captivating today. Ample and creamy, with striking depth, the 2017 is an outrageously beautiful wine that will drink well with minimal cellaring and also age well for many years to come. Sweet floral and spice notes resonate on the finish. This is such a gorgeous and inviting wine.