2021 Elio Grasso Barolo Gavarini Chiniera Organic, Piedmont

The wine opens with opulent aromas of currants, cherries, herbs, and licorice; the texture is a tension between robust, fresh tannins and lively acidity, deep, with a subtle minerality underneath, and the finish is almost light-footed and very long. A great wine, definitely needs further aging.

99 points vinum.eu

A graceful Barolo with cinnamon, cherry pits, Parma violets and subtle blood oranges on the nose. Delicate on the palate, with a medium body, refined velvety tannins and integrated long acidity. Red currants in the finish. Drink or hold.

95 points jamessuckling.com

From a prized hillside parcel in Monforte d’Alba, this Barolo shows the muscular, deeply structured side of Nebbiolo that the commune is famous for. The Gavarini Chiniera vineyard sits on limestone rich marl with south facing exposure, producing fruit of natural power and aromatic precision. Elio Grasso farms organically and works with obsessive attention to detail, aiming to translate site character with as little interference as possible. The style is classical Monforte, firm, mineral and built for long ageing rather than early charm.

Winemaking is traditional in spirit but exact in execution. Fermentation extracts fine, persistent tannin, and extended ageing allows the wine to knit together slowly. The intention is not to soften Barolo’s edges, but to refine them, preserving tension and structure.

In the glass it shows a bright garnet with ruby flashes. Aromas unfold gradually, revealing rose petal, sour cherry and red plum layered with liquorice, dried herbs, tar and earthy spice. There is a lifted floral perfume that signals pure Nebbiolo pedigree.

The palate is full bodied and architectural, with concentrated red fruit wrapped in firm, chalky tannins. A vibrant acid spine carries flavours of cherry, cranberry and savoury mineral notes through a long, dry finish. The texture is powerful yet precise, balancing density with lift.

It pairs beautifully with braised beef, game, truffle dishes and aged cheeses. While compelling now with extended decanting, it will cellar effortlessly for fifteen to twenty five years, developing leather, tobacco and forest floor complexity.

This is Barolo in a serious register, structured, mineral and uncompromising, a wine that speaks clearly of Monforte and rewards patience.