Wine Advisor
Elio Altare, Barolo 2015
View analysis
Description
Tasting notes
Reviewed by: Monica Larner
Elio Altare gives me a bit of his winemaker's wisdom: "Wine is like a marriage—it needs to be consummated early." With that in mind, the 2015 Barolo is engineered for near- and medium-term drinking with lots of plump fruit that jumps right out. The wine is open and inviting. Dark fruit is followed by warm tones of tilled earth and cured tobacco. Grapes are harvested from different parcels in four vineyard passes. In 2015, the team had the time to wait for each parcel to mature properly because the harvest was relaxed and spread over more comfortable timing. This Barolo would match up nicely with a mild liver dish.
Reviewed by: Antonio Galloni
The 2015 Barolo is an absolutely glorious wine. Sensual, silky and polished, the 2015 has so much to offer. Bright red berry fruit is nicely complemented by an array of floral and spiced notes that add nuance. Polished tannins add to the wine's considerable near-term appeal, but the straight Barolo also has a track record here of aging exceptionally well. Vineyard sites include Pernanno, Sarmassa, Rochettevino and Cerretta. Don't miss it.
About the Producer
Elio and Lucia’s eldest daughter Silvia has been fully involved in the winery since early 2000, while Elena, their youngest daughter, moved to Germany where she is now running a small wine import company. Elio, his wife Lucia, Silvia and the entire staff follow every single aspect of the work: in the vineyards from pruning to harvest, in the cellar from winemaking to sales, logistics, office work and marketing. The Altare family was originally from the town of Dogliani before buying the farm in La Morra. Back then, the estate covered 5 hectares of nebbiolo, barbera and dolcetto vineyards, along with some peach, hazelnut and apple trees. Those were times when orchards gave higher yields and more profits than vineyards. Back then it wasn’t easy, given the economic crisis that lasted for years. Elio, along with other friends, decided to learn more about winemaking by traveling beyond the borders of Piemonte, trying to learn from the success that other regions were enjoying. Up to today we farm about 10 hectares with an average production of 70,000 bottles.
