The colour is pale garnet. On the nose very ripe fruits, plum and cappuccino. It reminds of a Tawny Port. In the mouth well integrated but still gripping tannins. The aftertaste is disappointingly short.
Rocche dell’Annunziata is one of the most historic and renowned Nebbiolo vineyards in La Morra. Its importance is also shown by the fact that many great producers have vines in this cru. The original Rocche dell’Annunziata referred only to the slope facing south and south-west. In the last decade, the boundaries of the cru have been expanded to include the part facing east as well, resulting in a larger denomination of Rocche dell’Annunziata.
The Azienda Agricola Mario Gagliasso is located in the town of La Morra. In the late eighties the winery started using barriques from France, together with large barrels and temperature-controlled steel vats. Nowadays, the Gagliasso family produces around 60’000 bottles: 40% Barolo, 30% Barbera, 20% Dolcetto and 10% Chardonnay.
The vineyards and wineries of Barolo have long been famous for producing some of Italy’s very finest red wines. This is the reason why Barolo was one of just three regions awarded DOCG status on the day that the classification was introduced in July 1980 (the other two were Brunello di Montalcino and Vino Nobile di Montepulciano).
To earn the name Barolo the wine must age at least 38 months prior to commercial release, of which 18 must be spent in barrel (the rest in bottle). For the added designation of riserva, the total aging time increases to 62 months.
Classic Barolos have traditionally required at least 10 years cellaring to tame their tannins. Today, however, some producers are moving towards more “international” styles that can be enjoyed earlier. Gagliasso is one of them.
This bottle currently sells at Delea in Losone for 54 CHF.
Country: Italy
Region: Piedmont
Grapes: Nebbiolo
Type: Red
Vintage: 2015
Producer: Azienda Agricola Mario Gagliasso
Price range: Extra (50-100 US$)
Pascal’s Enjoyment Index: 3/5