Principiano Barolo 2012

This Barolo comes from the Ravera di Monforte MGA, a 0.6-hectare parcel at roughly 400 meters elevation on the southernmost edge of Monforte d'Alba, just at the border with Serralunga. The vineyard sits on Serravallian soils dominated by limestone with some clay and sand. The vines are approximately 80 years old and planted to the Nebbiolo Michet clone, a smaller-berried, more aromatic selection that gives the site its intensity and color depth.

Ferdinando Principiano farms without herbicides or synthetic treatments, using copper and sulfur only when necessary. Fermentation happens with indigenous yeasts and no added sulfur. The wine rests for 24 months in large oak botti before bottling. Only around 2,000 bottles are produced from this single parcel each vintage.

The 2012 vintage in Barolo produced wines of firm structure and good aromatic definition. At over a decade of age, this bottle has had time to integrate its tannins while the Michet clone's perfume comes forward. Expect dried roses, Marasca cherry, truffle, tobacco, and a minty balsamic thread on the finish. The acidity remains lively and the tannins, while firm, are resolved.

Barolo DOCG requires 100% Nebbiolo and a minimum of 38 months aging before release, of which at least 18 must be in oak. Principiano exceeds these minimums. This is a wine built to age but increasingly expressive now with 30 to 60 minutes of decanting.