Appy Friday Barolo Beauty!

Single vineyard gem of a Cru Barolo under $50, all yours cause you’re Appy People.

Antonio Galloni’s Vinous is right, “Mauro Veglio continues to impress.” As if a “very pretty Barolo” raving 94-point review isn’t enough, this one stacked up triple 93s too.

The Veglio story is a fascinating one, according to Forbes, “Given the current popularity of Barolos - with some top labels selling for up to $400 a bottle - it’s hard to believe that less than a half-century ago the wine was barely sold outside of Piedmont, where it is made… The Veglio family knows well the history of the area’s viniculture, having worked the land since the beginning of the last century… Angelo Veglio, born in 1928, sought to escape the life of a sharecropper to own a vineyard, which he could not do until the 1960s in the township of La Morra. In 1979 the family acquired a shabby farmhouse called Cascina Nuova and some of its property with about 5 hectares that contained Cru appellations…”

Continuing, “Angelo’s son Mauro (of 3) believed in his father’s dream that Barolo could be a great wine and make a profit, taking over the management of the winery in 1986. A decade later the vineyards of Monforte d’Alba were added to their property in La Morra, just as Barolo began its rise in reputation in the international wine market. Veglio invested in modern technology, eschewing age-old methods that had given Barolo a reputation as an ill-made, heavy, dark red wine. In 1992 Veglio had its first harvest and vinification in the new winery, built next to the foundations of the Cascina Nuova farmhouse.”

And the rest is history, their reputation continues to grow along with the accolades. Could be that they walk that fine line between tradition and modernity in their style, clearly on display with this Cru Barolo that is in such a sweet spot to enjoy now. The vineyard’s situation neighboring their other more famous Crus such as Rocche dell’Annunziata and Arborina is a testament to La Morra’s reputation as a commune known for elegance and finesse.

Just a handful of cases, will not last long.

94 Points – Robert Parker’s Wine Advocate

“The Gattera Vineyard in La Morra farmed by Mauro Veglio is home to beautiful southeast-facing 70-year-old vines. The 2018 Barolo Gattera is bright, linear, and nicely balanced. The wine is lithe and delicate in spirit, yet it also shows impressive momentum with long-lasting perfumes of forest berry, wildflower and crushed stone. This is a very pretty Barolo. Drink 2024-2038.”

93 Points – Antonio Galloni’s Vinous

“It will be interesting to see what Alessandro Veglio does as he takes his family’s winery into its second generation. So far, the wines have shown a lighter touch that is quite appealing. The 2018s were whole berry fermented and saw 20-25 days on the skins. Malolactic fermentation was done in steel. The wines were aged in barrique (30% new for the vineyard designates), except the Paiagallo, which was aged in cask. There is a ton of potential here. The 2018 Barolo Gattera marries the natural exuberance of this site with a feeling of translucence I have not seen here previously. This is the first vintage that blends Mauro Veglio’s south-facing parcel with Alessandro Veglio’s south-east facing piece, a combination that works so well. Dark cherry, plum, spice, lavender and licorice infuse the 2018 with layers of nuance. The 2018 is beautifully done. Moreover, the 2018 bodes very well for the future. Drink 2024-2038.”

93 Points – Decanter

“Alessandro Veglio told me that the Gattera MGA is usually the first to be harvested at his estate in La Morra, before Paiagallo and Arborina. The wine is highlighted by minty notes, earthy tones typical of Gattera, dried cherry and a classic rose and violet floral profile. This interpretation exhibits an orange flavour and integrated oak with dense, velvety tannins and crisp acidity. Drink 2022-2030.”

93 Points – Wine Enthusiast

“Aromas of tilled earth, leather, violet, alpine herbs and forest floor lead the nose. The vibrant palate doles out crushed red cherry, menthol, thyme, grilled sage and black pepper alongside firm but fine tannins. Drink 2018-2038.”