Cavallotto Langhe Nebbiolo 2017

The word benchmark gets bandied around a lot these days, but this is a Nebbiolo that clearly justifies that term. It comes from declassified, mostly young vine fruit from the great Castiglione Falletto Crus of Bricco Boschis and Vignolo, so it is a wine that could be labelled as Barolo. 

The grapes were fully de-stemmed and fermentation occurred with indigenous yeasts. Malolactic fermentation occurred in cement tanks during the spring following harvest and the wine was then aged for 18 months in Slavonian oak botti. It was bottled unfiltered. This truly is an outstanding ‘mini-Barolo’ and delivers accordingly in the glass. 

“With rose potpourri and dried rose, the Cavallotto 2017 Langhe Nebbiolo offers a light and accessible expression of the grape. The bouquet reveals cranberry, cassis and dried raspberry. This is a long and accessible wine to pair with a dish that involves cheese or cream. The tannins are nicely integrated and silky. 91 points, Monica Larner, The Wine Advocate.