By Gioso
2015 Barolo D.O.C.G

Wine Details
Municipalities of Production: Vineyards in Castiglione Falletto, Serralunga d'Alba, Monforte d'Alba, Barolo, Novello, La Morra, Verduno, and Grinzane Cavour
Grape Variety: 100% Nebbiolo

Barolo History
The Barolo - king of wines and wine of kings - has been celebrated as the Nebbiolo's best product for centuries. It is historically linked to the unification of Italy. Well-known politicians of the time and the Royal family - the Savoia - have relished this great wine that today is a prize of enology. Complex, full-body structure, and great aging potential are only a few of the amazing features of Barolo. The municipalities in which Barolo is produced are the following: La Morra, Monforte d'Alba, Serralunga d'Alba, Castiglione Falletto, Novello, Grinzane Cavour, Verduno, Diano d'Alba, Cherasco, Roddi, and Barolo.

2015 Vintage
2015 began with abundant snowfall allowing an excellent water supply for the land. This factor, combined with a mild spring, allowed for an advance of the vegetative cycle for the rest of the year. The budding and flowering were regular and anticipated. From the second half of June and throughout July, there was an absence of rain, and temperatures stabilized at maximum levels above average, with temperatures in July peaking around 40 degrees C and an average above 30 degrees C. The abundant water reserves accumulated in the early months of the year helped counteract the heat. The climatic conditions recorded at the beginning of the summer laid the foundations for about ten days advance in maturation compared to previous ones. We can consider this vintage as one of the best in recent years, where it was unnecessary to undertake special measures against diseases. Nebbiolo ripened perfectly, even though slightly earlier than average. Climatic conditions in the second half of summer helped an optimal formation of polyphenols, with an excellent quality of tannins, which guarantees elegance and long-life in wine. This will be a great vintage to remember, like few others in history.

Vineyards
Exposure: South, south-west
Soil: Halfway up on the hillside, blue-grey, compact, and deep calcareous marl, rich in micro-elements
Type of Planting: Espalier with traditional Guyot pruning
Vineyard Age: 10-40 years
Plant Density: 4,000 plants
Yield per Hectare: 75-80 quintals

Production
Processing: Destalking follows the vinification with fermentation in stainless steel tanks at a controlled temperature of 30 degrees C with long submerged-cap maceration from four to seven weeks, depending on the vintage. Natural malolactic fermentation at 20 degrees C. Storage in stainless steel tanks for 2-4 months.
Maturation: 24 months in big Slavonian oak barrels
Aging: 4-6 months in stainless steel tanks and a minimum of 6 months in the bottle

Technical Details
Alcohol: 14.00%
Acidity: 5.40 g/l
Sugars (Reducing): 0.30-0.50 g/l
Service Temperature: 16-18 degrees C
Recommended Pairings: Excellent with roasts and game
[Information provided by V and N Cellars]

GIOSO BAROLO 2015
Thursday, November 7, 2019
Country: Italy
Region: Piedmont
Vintage: 2015
Score: 92
Lovely strawberry and tar aromas follow through to a medium body, with firm and chewy tannins and a long and flavorful finish. Shows tension and focus. Delicious now, but better in 2021.