La Villa, Langhe, 2013
A blend of 60% old vines Barbera from the Larigi vineyard and 40% Nebbiolo from the Barolo Arborina vineyard aged in 100% new oak barriques. This makes for a stunning marriage, the blueberry and salty Barbera character comes through initially however the Nebbiolo clearly lends some class, complexity and structure, it very much "completes" the wine. This exhibits ripe currant, dark berry, spice salt and mineral characteristics with binding but suave tannins. Impressive.
critic reviews
This is an irresistible blend of Piedmont grapes. The 2013 Langhe La Villa is constructed with 60% Barbera and 40% Nebbiolo, and sees 18 months of aging in new barrique. There is no questioning the power and opulent feel of the wine, but the sheer elegance on display is not to be underestimated. The bouquet is linear and clean, and the velvety mouthfeel suggests a more immediate drinking window. This is a stepping stone wine, midway on the road towards Barolo.
The 2013 La Villa, a blend of 60% Larigi Barbera and 40% Giarborina Nebbiolo, is gorgeous. Plump, juicy and forward, La Villa brings together the mid-palate juiciness of Barbera with the aromatic complexity of Nebbiolo, all with striking harmony and finesse. Suave, polished tannins round out the highly inviting finish. The 2013 was aged in 100% new French oak barrels. This is another effortless, gracious wine from Altare.