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The estate, one of the oldest in Italy, has been the family since 1340. Today, it is run by Giovanni and his two children Elena and Alberto. Holdings consist of 28 hectares of a single vineyard in the Annunziata cru of La Morra’s Monfalletto-Gattera hill. An additional two hectares are located in the Villero cru of Castiglione Falletto where the Enrico VI bottling is sourced.
I brought a bottle of the 1997 Enrico VI to the dinner which afforded an opportunity to compare with the current 2010 Enrico VI bottling. It provided a fascinating view into how Villero ages. The 1997 was slow-o'd for a couple of hours prior to dinner. The fruit has matured beautifully, yet did not show as robustly as the 1996 tasted last year.
The 1997 Enrico VI exhibited the delicious balsamic notes derived from the higher percentage of calcareous marl in Villero.
The 2010 Enrico VI was gorgeous for such a young Barolo. Eminently approachable, yet still holding back a lot. Lovely tar and roses profile provided a fresher counterpoint to the 1997's palate.
This is my first real brush with the 2010 Barolo vintage and it lives up to its great press :)
The surprise of the evening was the 2010 Monfalletto, a blend made from parcels that have been vinified separately (not an assemblage). The 2010 Monfalletto is beautifully engaging now. Silky and supremely balanced ... Highly recommended ...
Other wines tasted:
2013 Barbera d'Alba, which came across as quite muted.
2012 Dolcetto d'Alba which was a delight.... crisp well-delineated fruit with mouth-watering acidity and an alluring nose
2013 Langhe Arneis ... tasty, very enticing fruit with fresh florals on the nose
Alberto, a consummate and engaging host, was heading back home to family by way of NYC later this week. We look forward to seeing him at La Festa del Barolo in February.
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