# Barolo Capalot (2018)

- **Producer:** Crissante Alessandria
- **Colour:** red
- **Type:** still
- **Grapes:** Nebbiolo
- **Region:** Piedmont, Italy
- **Style:** Classic
- **Alcohol:** 14.5%
- **Average price:** €115
- **Contains sulphites:** No
- **When to drink:** Now or Later
- **Serving temperature:** 16–20 °C
- **Aromas & flavours:** red cherry, liquorice, black cherry, red plum, black plum, rose, violet, forest floor, wet leaves, earth, leather, tobacco

## About this wine

Barolo Capalot 2018 is a single-vineyard expression from the historic Capalot cru in La Morra, Piedmont, crafted by the Crissante Alessandria family estate. The vineyard, established in 1951, is characterized by limestone and fine sand soils, contributing to the wine's unique profile. Crissante Alessandria, a family winery founded in 1958, emphasizes a traditional approach to winemaking, respecting the Nebbiolo grape and its terroir. The 2018 vintage is recognized for its balanced structure and fruit concentration, characteristic of the year in Piedmont.

## Interesting facts

- Capalot vineyard vines were planted in 1951.
- The estate transitioned from selling grapes to bottling their own wines.
- Barolo DOCG is a UNESCO World Heritage site.
- Nebbiolo grapes are known for their high tannins and acidity.

## Food pairing

The wine's full body and firm tannins are well-suited to complement the richness and protein of red meats, while its complex aromas can echo or contrast with earthy ingredients like mushrooms and truffles. The wine's acidity helps to cut through fattier dishes, cleansing the palate.

## Wine making process

The winemaking process for Barolo Capalot begins with a manual harvest in early October. The Nebbiolo grapes undergo a 2-4 week maceration and fermentation in stainless steel tanks, utilizing manual punch-downs and pump-overs. Malolactic fermentation occurs in steel. The wine is then aged for 18-24 months in large Slavonian oak casks, followed by a minimum of 24 months of bottle aging before release.