Luigi Pira Dolcetto d ‘Alba 2016

Description

“One of Piedmont’s superstars… these are wines of extraordinary complexity and breathtaking richness. The spectacular offerings from Pira ’s vineyards in and around Serralunga d’Alba are among the more riveting examples.” – Robert Parker
Giampaolo Pira took over from his father Luigi and developed from grower to producer with their first Barolo in 1993. This first wine, and those for a few years after, saw the Pira style very much in the ‘modernist’ camp, with relatively short macerations in the ‘elephant’ version of the newfangled roto-fermenters, followed by time in new small French oak.
It was these powerful, dark, oaky yet still distinctively Serralunga wines, which were encouraged as the way ahead, by the likes of Parker and Marc de Grazia. Fast forward, and like some producers (not all) Pira has significantly modified this regime so the terroir of Serralunga can shine by using more traditional gentle maceration techniques and use of traditional large oak “ Botti” including for his Three Star crus of Serralunga, ‘Margheria’, ‘Marenca’ and it is only the great ‘Vigna Rionda’ that is matured in small French oak casks.

This Gorgeous Dolcetto is far from the usual light expression typical of this grape it has depth of fruit, structure and more-ish tannin thanks to Serralunga soils and an exceptional growing season. Reminds me of weight of sangiovese from Chianti Classico perhaps. 100% estate grown vines planted in 1980 in Serralunga with a north facing site… Do not hesitate here.. drinking magnificently

89 Points, Antonio Galloni, Vinous Media ‘Pira’s Dolcetto d’Alba is often an overachiever, as it is once again in 2016. A big, powerful wine, the Dolcetto offers plenty of depth and overall intensity in its dark flavor profile. Spice, licorice, smoke and leather overtones add to the wine’s brooding personality. This is an especially muscular style with more than enough tannin to stand up to just about anything.”

RRP $39   LAST OF THIS VINTAGE!