Wine Advisor
Elio Altare, Langhe Rosso Larigi 2018
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Description
Tasting notes
Reviewed by: Monica Larner
The 2018 Langhe Larigi opens to rich and deeply saturated fruit. The wine shows generous tones of blackberry and syrupy crème de cassis and also imparts much of the soft, velvety texture of those fruits. This is a single-vineyard expression of Barbera from the Altare family estate in La Morra. Larigi finishes with contained alcohol (measured at 14.5%), opulence and lots of rich varietal character over the medium-bodied finish.
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.
