Tasting Notes

Traditionally-styled Barolo from single-vineyard called ‘Vigna del Mandorlo’ in Castiglione Falletto, one of the most prestigious crus in Barolo. Vigna Mandorlo, or Almond Vineyard, is a suggestive vineyard which begins at the foot of the castle of Castiglione Falletto and extends, on three adjoining ‘terraces’, over more than three hectares, and it is dominated by a large almond tree. The captions on the label have been designed to reproduce the way in which the vine rows grow at the foot of the castle and with a stylized image of an almond in the center of the label.

The vineyard has a south exposure, with slopes of between 25 and 35% and lies at an altitude between 300 and 380 meters above sea level. The clayey-calcareous soil is rich in microelements of marine origin, alternated with layers of sandstone making it particularly suited to producing great Barolo wines.

A long, undisturbed maceration yields rich polyphenols, good structure and complexity that are nicely blended together and softened with patient 3-year ageing in large oak casks (30hl). Intense persistent bouquet of black cherry with hints of rose, leather, coffee beans and tar. Full-bodied, yet well-balanced and smooth. Well suited for long ageing when stored correctly in a dark room and away from sudden temperature changes.

Excellent with red meats (roasted, skewered or grilled) and especially with wild game.

– 2009 rated 93 WS
– 2010 rated 93 WS, 92 WE
– 2011 rated 93 JS, 91 WE

– 2012 rated 92 JS
– 2013 rated 94 WE, 93 IWR (International Wine Report)

– 2014 rated 93 JS

Winery	Giacosa Fratelli
Region	Piemonte
Varietal	100% Nebbiolo
Location of Vineyards	Vigna del Mandorlo in Scarrone (Castiglione Falletto)
Orientation	South
Altitude	300-380 mt a.s.l.
Type of Planting	Organic, not certified
Soil	Clayey-calcareous, rich in microelements of marine origin.
Vinification	Grapes are harvested by hand. Non-invasive wine-making, lengthy maceration and ageing in large casks of 30 hectoliters for 3 years, followed by 2 years in bottle.
Alcohol Content	13.5-14%
Total Production	10,000 bottles
Oenologist	Maurizio Giacosa