Le Vigne Barolo Sibi et Paucis 2008

The first vineyard, Vignane, is situated in the historical part of the Barolo appellation and shares many characteristics with Cannubi. The second vineyard, Conterni in Monforte d’Alba produces wines of great tannic structure and shares some of the austere character of Serralunga fruit. The third, Ceretta di Perno, is also from the Monforte d’Alba side and produces wines of freshness and vivacity. Lastly, the Merli vineyard is located in Novello, produces wines that are earthy and robust but with good aromatic complexity.

Each vineyard is vinified separately, and after destemming and light crushing, the must is covered with CO2 for a gentle warm maceration of approximately a day. Alcoholic fermentation begins about 24-36 hours later from native yeasts. A gentle maceration takes place in upright open-top steel tanks for the first 9-15 days of alcoholic fermentation. Immediately after alcoholic fermentation, which takes 28-30 days, malolactic fermentation takes place in 500 liter French oak casks. The wine is aged in these casks for 24 months, followed by 18 months bottle aging.

The adjective that best describes 2008 is “classic.” From a climactic point of view, this vintage takes you back to the 1970s, with a rainy spring, followed by a gradual stabilization of the climatic weather over the summer that allowed the winery to achieve an excellent maturation and a unique balance of acid and tannin.

On the nose, an ethereal character of fruity notes of small- berry jam, cherry preserved in spirits, and dried apricot prevails; accompanied by floral sensations such as dried roses. Then spices such as pepper and vanilla emerge, followed by hints of dried mushrooms, leather and white truffles. The flavor is complex, the balanced alcohol gives warmth and fullness of structure, while fresh acidity and smooth tannin show a velvety character.