"Villero" Barolo DOCG 2012

750ml

Overview

The Oddero "Villero" Barolo DOCG 2012 is a distinguished wine that showcases the exceptional quality of Nebbiolo from the prestigious Villero vineyard, located in the Barolo region of Piemonte, Italy. The wine offers a harmonious balance between power and elegance, with a structure that is both firm and refined. The 2012 vintage benefited from ideal weather conditions, with a warm growing season followed by a cool, dry harvest, allowing the grapes to ripen fully while maintaining vibrant acidity. This Barolo represents the pinnacle of traditional winemaking, with a focus on terroir expression and long-term aging potential.

Vinification and Aging

• Fermentation: The hand-harvested Nebbiolo grapes were fermented in temperature-controlled stainless steel tanks, ensuring precise extraction of color and tannins while preserving the purity of the fruit. The fermentation process lasts about two weeks, allowing for a gentle extraction of flavor and structure.
• Aging: After fermentation, the wine was aged for 36 months in large Slavonian oak barrels, which allow the wine to mature slowly while absorbing minimal oak influence. This extended aging period helps to soften the tannins and develop the complexity that Barolo wines are known for. The wine was then bottled and allowed to continue maturing in the bottle.
• Bottling: Bottled without fining or filtration, the wine maintains its natural integrity and continues to evolve gracefully.

Tasting Notes

• Appearance: The wine has a beautiful deep garnet color, which is characteristic of a well-aged Barolo.
• Aroma: On the nose, the wine offers complex aromas of red and dark fruits, such as cherry, raspberry, and plum, alongside floral notes of rose petals and violet. Subtle hints of tobacco, leather, and dried herbs add depth, while a touch of licorice and spice brings additional layers of complexity.
• Palate: The wine is full-bodied, with firm, well-integrated tannins and a vibrant acidity that provides excellent structure. Flavors of ripe red fruit are balanced by earthy undertones, with notes of tobacco, leather, and a touch of truffle. The mouthfeel is silky, and the wine has a long, persistent finish that lingers with notes of dark fruit, spice, and a hint of minerality.
• Finish: The finish is long and elegant, with the fruit and earthy notes continuing to evolve and linger on the palate.

Food Pairing

The Oddero "Villero" Barolo DOCG 2012 pairs exceptionally well with rich, savory dishes. It complements roasted meats, such as lamb or beef, and works beautifully with game meats like venison. The wine also pairs wonderfully with truffle-infused dishes, aged cheeses, and hearty pasta dishes with rich sauces.

Serving Recommendations

• Serving Temperature: Best served at 18°C (64°F) to allow the wine's full range of aromas and flavors to unfold.
• Decanting: Decanting is recommended, particularly for older bottles, to allow the wine to open up and express its full complexity.

Aging Potential

With its structured tannins and balanced acidity, the Oddero "Villero" Barolo DOCG 2012 has excellent aging potential. It is expected to evolve beautifully over the next 10-15 years, continuing to develop greater depth and complexity as it ages.