# Barolo (2021)

- **Producer:** Cantina Luigi Pira
- **Colour:** red
- **Type:** still
- **Grapes:** Nebbiolo 100%
- **Region:** Piemonte, Italy
- **Style:** Classic
- **Alcohol:** 14.5%
- **When to drink:** Later
- **Serving temperature:** 16–18 °C
- **Aromas & flavours:** red fruit, strawberry, cherry, currant, blackberry, black cherry, wild berries, morel cherry, blue/purplish-hued fruits, roses, potpourri, sweet floral aromatics, orange peel, dried oranges, bergamot, vanilla, chocolate, cocoa, jam, coffee beans, warm spices, balsamic accents, black tea, menthol, new leather, dry hay, earthy, petrichor, tobacco, truffle, licorice, mineral, eucalyptus, aromatic herbs, thyme

## About this wine

Cantina Luigi Pira is a family-run winery located in Serralunga d'Alba, Piedmont, Italy, a region celebrated for its prestigious Barolo DOCG wines. The estate is known for producing Barolos that exemplify the classic Serralunga style, characterized by power, complexity, and a refined elegance. The 2021 vintage, a classic year with a temperate growing season, yielded wines with expressive aromatics and robust structure, promising excellent longevity. The Pira family employs sustainable vineyard management practices, reflecting a deep respect for their terroir and a commitment to quality.

## Interesting facts

- Serralunga d'Alba is known for producing Barolos with a reputation for power and longevity.
- The Pira family practices sustainable viticulture, using cover crops and natural pest control.
- The 2021 vintage is noted for its classic character and high aging potential.
- Vineyards like Margheria and Vignarionda are considered prime crus, contributing unique characteristics.

## Food pairing

Barolo's high acidity and firm tannins are ideal for cutting through the richness of fatty meats and proteins, while its complex aromatic profile complements earthy flavors like truffles and mushrooms. The wine's structure stands up to robust dishes, creating a harmonious balance.

## Wine making process

Cantina Luigi Pira employs a winemaking process that respects the Nebbiolo grape and the unique terroir of Serralunga d'Alba. Fermentation occurs in controlled temperature environments, often in horizontal tanks, for 7-10 days, with a focus on a gentler extraction. Following fermentation, the wines undergo a 24-month aging period in oak, with variations in barrel type (Slavonian botti or French barriques) depending on the specific cru. The winery is increasingly adopting a more minimalist approach to oak aging, favoring larger and older vessels. Sustainable practices, including cover-cropping and natural pest control, are integral to their vineyard management.