# Barolo Vigna Le Rocche Riserva (2016)

- **Producer:** Bruno Giacosa
- **Colour:** red
- **Type:** still
- **Grapes:** Nebbiolo
- **Region:** Piemonte, Italy
- **Style:** Classic
- **Alcohol:** 15.0%
- **Average price:** €683
- **Contains sulphites:** No
- **When to drink:** Now or Later
- **Serving temperature:** 16–18 °C
- **Aromas & flavours:** pomegranate, blackcurrant, red cherry, black cherry, raspberry, cedar, smoke, vanilla, forest floor, black truffle, leather, iron, tobacco

## About this wine

The Barolo Vigna Le Rocche Riserva 2016 is a single-vineyard wine from the renowned Barolo DOCG in Piedmont, Italy. Sourced from the oldest vines in the Falletto cru, a monopoly vineyard acquired by Bruno Giacosa in 1982, this wine is produced only in exceptional vintages. The Falletto vineyard is situated in Serralunga d'Alba, known for its calcareous and marly soils. The 'Riserva' designation signifies a wine that has undergone extended aging. The Bruno Giacosa winery, now led by Bruna Giacosa, is celebrated for its dedication to traditional winemaking and capturing the unique expression of individual vineyard sites.

## Interesting facts

- Le Rocche del Falletto is a monopoly cru, meaning Giacosa owns the entire vineyard.
- The 'Riserva' designation requires a minimum of 62 months of aging.
- Produced only in the best years, marked by a special red label.
- The Falletto vineyard was acquired by Bruno Giacosa in 1982.

## Food pairing

The wine's substantial tannins and full body are well-suited to rich, protein-heavy dishes, where they can soften and integrate. The wine's earthy and savory notes, often including hints of truffle and iron, find natural partners in similar ingredients like mushrooms and game.

## Wine making process

The Barolo Vigna Le Rocche Riserva 2016 is produced from Nebbiolo grapes sourced from the oldest vines in the Falletto cru. Fermentation occurs in cement tanks over 30 days, followed by 36 months of aging in large oak barrels (botti). The wine then undergoes further bottle aging before release. This extended maturation period is characteristic of the 'Riserva' designation, which requires a minimum of 62 months of aging, with at least 18 months in wood. The winery emphasizes traditional winemaking techniques to highlight the vineyard's specific characteristics.