Bruno Giacosa Barolo Falletto 2019

Bruno Giacosa built his reputation in Piedmont on Nebbiolo, and Barolo Falletto draws from the Falletto cru in Serralunga d'Alba, one of the appellation's most respected sites. The soils here are calcareous marl that retains water through Piedmont's dry late summers and gives Nebbiolo its tannic structure and ageing potential. The continental climate, with cold nights and warm days through the autumn ripening window, preserves the acidity and aromatic lift the grape is known for. After fermentation the wine spends 30 months in wood, where slow oxygen exchange softens the firm young tannins and adds savoury depth without masking the fruit. The colour is the pale garnet typical of Nebbiolo. The nose leads with cherry, dried rose and a tarry, earthy note, moving into leather, tobacco and liquorice with air. The palate is structured and linear, the tannins fine but gripping, the acidity holding the long savoury finish. This is a wine built for the cellar but already expressive. Serve at 18 degrees, decant an hour ahead, and pour into a wide bowled glass. It suits braised beef, game and aged hard cheese.