2016 ForteMasso - Barolo Riserva Castelletto (750ml)
Extended aging in large Slavonian oak casks gives the 2016 ForteMasso Barolo Riserva Castelletto a refined structure that balances regional terroir characteristics with exceptional drinking elegance today. Cultivated from a vintage widely recognized for its harmonious acid-tannin ratio, this Nebbiolo delivers a deep garnet hue and an aromatic profile built on dried cherry, wild strawberry, crushed violets, and damp forest floor minerality. The prolonged maturation has smoothed the initially rigid tannins into a velvety frame, leaving a long, savory finish punctuated by tar, dried tobacco, and toasted cardamom.
Tasting Notes
- Aroma: Red dried fruits, violet petal, herbal nuances, slate, and subtle cedar
- Palate: Medium-to-full body with polished, finely gripped tannins, vibrant acidity, and layered notes of sour cherry, licorice root, and iron-rich earth
- Finish: Persistent and drying with a lingering note of anise and toasted spice
Suggested Foods
The wine’s robust architecture and earth-forward character pair best with slow-cooked proteins and rich regional preparations. Serve alongside braised beef short ribs, wild boar ragù, hand-cut tajarin pasta, or mushroom risotto. Aged hard cheeses like Parmigiano Reggiano 36-month or Piccante provide a necessary structural contrast. For optimal expression, decant approximately 45 minutes prior to service to allow the tightly wound aromatic components to open fully.