Araldica Barolo Flori, Piedmont, Italy

A supple, finely structured introduction to Barolo - matured in the cellars of Araldica in Castel Boglione.

Made from Nebbiolo grapes cultivated around the town of Barolo in southern Piemonte. The grapes were hand-harvested, de-stemmed and then crushed to small fermenters, for around 12 days, with daily pumping-over. This ensures good colour and flavour extraction, but avoids over extraction of the abundant Nebbiolo tannins. After pressing the wine was settled for two days, and then racked to stainless steel tanks for malolactic fermentation. This was followed by three years maturation in Slavonian oak casks before being racked and bottled.

A complex nose combining plum, mulberry, ripe strawberry and brown spice with delicate floral and violet notes. Tannins are firm and pleasingly supported with plump fruit and a rounded texture, giving a good lengthy finish. Perfect with wild boar sausages, venison, roast lamb or gamey stews.