Barolo, Gramolere, 2018

A steep Monforte site, at twice the elevation of Verduno with more sandstone-based soils. Pointed, steadying at first, but not heavy as it can be, with salty iron-rich minerals and sweet forest fruits, this is 2018 is very complete, promising notes of salted strawberries, griotte cherries and some brambly herbs. So harmonious, and more accessible at this stage than in most years, there is a lovely, long ripe wash of tannin and yet it is by no means austere. From Vittore’s mother side of the family, this is a vineyard that came from the Manzone estate in Monforte in 2001. The vines are 55 years old. Higher than Verduno, at over 400 metres above sea level and with browner/red soils this yields completely different wines. After a month of gentle maceration, the wine is then aged for 3 years in large wooden vats.