Cavallotto Langhe Nebbiolo 2020

The word benchmark gets bandied around a lot these days, but this is a Nebbiolo, from an already hyped vintage, that justifies that term. It comes from declassified, mostly young vine fruit, from the great Castiglione Falletto Crus of Bricco Boschis, Codana and Pernanno.

Cropped at yields of around 38 hl/ha, the grapes were fully destemmed and fermentation occurred with indigenous yeasts. Malolactic fermentation was in cement tanks during the spring following harvest. The wine was aged for 18 months in Slavonian oak botti and bottled unfiltered.

This perfectly portrays the balanced character of this vintage and is truly an outstanding mini-Barolo. The nose is captivatingly bright, with lovely black cherry, rose and other savoury and complex aromas. The same vibrant intensity shines through on the palate, where the elegant tide of suave fruit is perfectly framed by lively acidity and sophisticated, powdery tannins, all leading to a lingering finish.