2012 Pecchenino - Barolo Le Coste (750ml)

Pecchenino is a family estate based in Dogliani, in the southern Langhe of Piedmont. Its roots go back to farming in the area in the late 18th century, and the Pecchenino brothers, Orlando and Attilio, now run it. The family is best known for Dogliani Dolcetto, and in 2004 it began acquiring vineyards in Monforte d’Alba, where it makes this single-vineyard Barolo. The estate now farms roughly 35 hectares across Dogliani, Monforte d’Alba and Bossolasco.

The Nebbiolo for Le Coste di Monforte comes from a south-east facing site at about 440 meters, in the southernmost part of the Monforte commune. The vines are around 45 years old and rooted in medium-textured soils with whitish marls. Grapes are picked in the third week of October, then macerated on the skins for several weeks, including a period of extended post-fermentation maceration. The wine is aged for about three years in large oak casks, which keeps the oak influence restrained and lets the fruit and terroir come through.

Traditional in style, this Barolo shows a garnet color and a deep nose of violet, tobacco, white pepper, wild mint, licorice, and dried herbs. The palate is robust and structured, with dense but silky tannins and a taut, mineral finish. It pairs well with truffle pasta, braised meats, roast red meats, and long-aged cheeses.