Vigna Elena Barolo Riserva DOCG – 2011
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Introduction
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Elena is the daughter of co-owners, Valter Fissore and Nadia Cogno. The vineyard for this wine was planted when Elena was born, and is dedicated to her, as is the wine. The label is a drawing of a chick that Elena made for her mother and father when she was just three years old. (She is now the professional designer of all the winery’s labels.) This label has been the symbol of the wine ever since its creation many years ago. This Barolo Riserva is produced only in great vintages.
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Vineyard Profile
- Vineyards: 100% Nebbiolo da Barolo, Rosé sub-variety of Nebbiolo
- Grape Source: 100% estate vineyard halfway up the Ravera hill
- Cultivation: Vertical trellising, Guyot pruning, 100% organic (not yet certified)
- Vine Age: 25 years old
- Soil: Limestone and clay, with the presence of sand
- Elevation: 380 meters (1,246 feet) above sea level
- Exposure: Southeast
- Density: 4,000 vines/hectare (1,619 vines/acre)
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Vintage Report
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After a normal winter, March brought heavy rains, and in April, the temperatures rose and remained higher than average for the rest of the season. Furthermore, July and August were very dry as well. These conditions carried on all the way to the harvest, except some light rainstorms in first week in September. This is one of the earliest harvests on record.
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Vinification
- Fermentation: 100% in stainless steel, temperature-controlled, with automatic pump overs, postfermentation maceration for 30 days with submerged cap; skin contact for 40-45 days with fermentation and afterwards, with post-fermentation maceration submerged cap;100% with indigenous yeast
- Malolactic: 100% in steel fermentors
- Aging: 36 months barrel-aging in large (40 hl/1,057 gallons), used Slavonian oak, followed by 24 months in bottle
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Technical Information
- Production (in cases): 580 (6/750ml)
- Cases Imported: 10
- Alcohol: 15%
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Tasting Notes
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Dark ruby red in color with some orange reflections. The bouquet is very aromatic with flavors from dry plums to dried rose and violet petals with hints of balsamic and alpine herbs; a very “aristocratic” nose. The mouthfeel is warm and rich with soft, deep, refined tannins that are perfectly melted. The wine has a bright acidity that gives a very long and pleasant aftertaste.
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Images
Reviews
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Vigna Elena Barolo Riserva DOCG – 2011 – 94 points – Wine Enthusiast
"... The structured palate delivers dried black cherry, crushed raspberry, licorice, sage and pipe tobacco while taut noble tannins provide impressive support. It's savory and full bodied but also boasts an irresistible, almost weightless elegance.”
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Vigna Elena Barolo Riserva DOCG – 2011 – 96 points – James Suckling
“Aromas of fresh mushrooms, blackberries and blueberries. Dried orange peel, too. Full body and a dense and rich palate. So much tension and muscle. Impressive. Drink in 2020 but already gorgeous.”
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Vigna Elena Barolo Riserva DOCG – 2011 – 94 points – Wine Spectator
“Floral, macerated cherry, licorice and soy flavors mark this fresh, harmonious Barolo. Firm, with a lingering finish, yet fluid and almost approachable now. Should hit its stride in a year or two. Best from 2019 through 2035.”
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Vigna Elena Barolo Riserva DOCG – 2011 – 95 points – The Wine Advocate
"...This is a deep and brooding wine that carries its extra weight and volume with the grace of a classic ballet dancer. There is ample power and determination here that will undoubtedly carry the wine forward in its aging trajectory."