It is hard to control myself when it comes to Nebbiolo. Last week I introduced a Langhe Nebbiolo that I recommend you seek out today! If you need help finding it in your neck of the woods try Wine Searcher, it is an internet portal that is very helpful in hunting down wine. So, in finding it difficult to give up my love for this amazing grape I'm going big with my wine...I'm going to Barolo and specifically Brovia Barolo 2005.
The picture above is the only one I could find of the label from Brovia's website. The 1999 is AMAZING but I want to make sure we all understand that the 2005 vintage is what I am pumped about right now. If you look at my posts regarding the 2005 vintage, I make it pretty clear that it is not my favorite vintage and that you must seek out producers you trust. If Brovia is not on that list ADD it!
Brovia is an old family winery that started producing wine in 1863 until 1932 when Antonio Giacinto, son of the founder passed away. It was not until 1953 that family members decided to start producing wine again....and we are forever grateful for their decision to do so. The wines of Brovia, be it the Arneis (which ROCKS) or the Villero Cru Barolo are all amazing. Each wines speaks in volumes and with such elegance no one can deny them. They are my current Sirens.
The 2005 Brovia Barolo is the perfect introduction to the house's style, the beauty of the grape, and the region. The grapes are from the communes of Castiglione Falletto and Serralunga d' Alba from the various Crus that Brovia owns (A cru is a non-legal term given to specific vineayard sites in region. Most houses make single Cru wines and a "normale" blend of their Crus). The ability to blend Crus gives houses option to create a wine that represents the best of their vineyards in an approachable manner (since this is wine, there are exceptions to this). The vineyards of Serralunga are dense, hard, tannic, and firm taking many years to become more accessible. The Castiglione vineyards produce powerful wines but with a less tannic edge than those of Serralunga. By blending these together Brovia creates a wine with power, finesse, elegance and volume all at once. It does need a bit of decanting and many might say the wine is WAY too young but then you may never drink it....it is better to enjoy early than never at all! The wine is a sexy translucent ruby red color and its aromas will snuggle you from the get go. Aromas of red berries, sour cherries, sandalwood, dried Porcini mushrooms, Damson plums, aged leather, black tea...really it goes on and on. Each time you raise the glass to your lips a new smell, flavor will evolve out of the glass, this is why I love Brovia Barolo 2005. The texture of the wine is firm but not harsh. It lets you know it is there without trying to hurt your or bully your tongue around. Barolo is not for the faint at heart as the price is not conducive to experimentation but sometimes you have to close your eyes and leap....you might not know that you can fly.
Seek this wine out, and enjoy it with friends, family, some good slow roasted meat, risotto, or a hunk of aged cheese. You will be happy!
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