EXCLUSIVE WINE ALERT:

Today’s selection from Mauro Molino is an exclusive allocation only available in very limited quantities here in the U.S.A. If you are a fan of Nebbiolo in its purest form, today’s wine belongs in your cellar.

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Mission Codename: A Most Fertile Cru

Operative: Agent White

Objective: Secure an allocation of exclusive and limited production single cru Barolo for our operatives.

Mission Status: Accomplished!

Current Winery: Mauro Molino

Wine Subject: 2007 Barolo Vigna Gallinotto DOCG

Winemaker: Mauro Molino

Backgrounder: The greatest of all Italian wines are arguably made with from the Nebbiolo grape. The wines of the Barolo DOCG are made from 100% Nebbiolo grapes. Nebbiolo, native to the Piedmont in north-west Italy and cultivated in the region since the 13th century is generally a bolder than its little sister Barbaresco. The late ripening Nebbiolo is known to be highly influenced by various soil and vineyard conditions, with the wines from the best vineyard sites having sublime character.

Most people don’t give Barolo enough time and drink them young, but those patient enough to wait at least 7 – 8 years, and often as much as 20 plus years are handsomely rewarded with a wine that is the ultimate expression of the grape. The most prized bottlings of Barolo are those from an exceptional single vineyard such as today’s from the Gallinotto Cru.

Wine Spies Tasting Profile:

Look – Dense and deep garnet red with ruby and subtle orange streaks that shine through its clear core and along the edges when held to the light. When swirled, slow thin and legs hang before descending to the wine below.

Smell – Bold and rich and ripe dark cherry, tart blackberry, plum and other red berries blends with black licorice and dusty earthy mineral notes . Toasted oak and other wood aromas, spice, a touch of green herbs and hints of dried floral violets and zesty tar adds complexity to the nose.

Feel – This dry and medium to full-bodied wine is smooth and finely textured; with smooth but sturdy tannins are smooth and generous and slightly chewy. Lively acidity and smoothly-etched minerality provides a framework for the elegant flavors than last long into the finish.

Taste – Ripe and rich red and dark cherry flavors blend with blackberry and juicy plum and are layered with powder fine dusty minerality and subtle earthy notes. Black licorice, toasted oak and wood, sweet tobacco, dried green herbs, dried violets, slightly sweet vanilla toast, hints of exotic spice box and hints of tar adds depth.

Finish – Very long, smooth and rich with this wines finely textured minerality, lively acid and sturdy tannins gripping onto the palate as the dark fruit, spice and minerality other complex flavors elegantly linger.

Conclusion – The 2007 Mauro Molino Barolo Vigna Gallinotto DOCG is a wine of great finesse and distinction. Slightly lighter in body than a typical Barolo. Classic dark cherry and other dark red fruit blend with classic Piedmont complexity on the nose and palate all framed by a balanced and well structured mouthfeel. Pair this wine with classic Piedmontese cuisine or a juicy grilled steak tonight or cellar for the next ten plus years.
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Mission Report:

_ We are working to gather an interview with winemaker Mauro Molino and will post it as soon as it becomes available._

Wine Spies Vineyard Check:

The location La Morra where the grapes for this wine were grown can be seen in this satellite photo.