Giulia Negri - La Tartufaia - Barolo 2022
Giulia Negri is one of those estates that we hold particularly dear at the cellar, as her wines combine sincerity, precision, and personality. Located in La Morra, in the heart of the Langhe, the winemaker works in the Serradenari area, one of the highest points in the Barolo zone. This landscape of hills, woods, vineyards, and complex soils gives rise to high-altitude Nebbiolo, marked by a unique freshness and great aromatic finesse. The estate follows a sensitive approach, inspired by Burgundy in the idea of purity and parcel reading, but deeply rooted in Piedmontese identity. La Tartufaia holds an important place in the range, as it offers a particularly elegant entry into the world of Giulia Negri's Barolos. The name also evokes the Serradenari environment, where the vine dialogues with the Alba truffle woods, in a remarkable natural setting. This Barolo 2022 thus translates all the delicacy of the estate, with an accessible, refined, and already very seductive expression.
The La Tartufaia Barolo 2022 cuvée is made exclusively from Nebbiolo, the emblematic grape variety of Piedmont's great reds. The grapes come from La Morra, with origins shared between Serradenari and Brunate, two sectors capable of bringing elegance, depth, and complexity. The vines, located between 450 and 500 meters altitude, benefit from a west exposure that favors progressive ripening while preserving aromatic brightness. The Tortonian soils, predominantly clay-sandy, contribute to the finesse of the grain, tension, and floral dimension of the wine. The vinification relies on spontaneous fermentation in large wooden truncated cone containers, with a long maceration of about 40 days, in the traditional spirit of great Barolos. The 24-month aging in 25 hl Austrian oak casks allows the tannins to refine without marking the wine with excessive woodiness. In the sunny and demanding 2022 vintage in Piedmont, this approach preserves the balance, freshness, and drinkability of the Nebbiolo.
In the glass, Giulia Negri La Tartufaia Barolo 2022 reveals a bright, delicate, and deeply Piedmontese profile. The nose opens on red cherry, raspberry, dried rose, and violet, with nuances of blood orange, fine spices, black tea, and undergrowth. The palate is slender, precise, and already harmonious, supported by the natural acidity of Nebbiolo and fine but well-present tannins. The matter remains elegant, without excess power, with that airy sensation that charms La Morra's Barolos. The finish extends the wine on floral, slightly balsamic, and earthy notes, with beautiful persistence. This Barolo can be appreciated after a few years in the cellar, but it will already be expressive with good aeration in a decanter. It will ideally accompany a truffle risotto, tajarin with ragù, roasted poultry, veal with mushrooms, confit lamb, or a matured cheese.
Grape variety: 100% Nebbiolo
