Vigna Elena Barolo Riserva DOCG – 2014
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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: 26 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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2014 was definitively one of the most difficult vintages to manage in the vineyards. The winter was not particularly cold and snowy and it was followed by an early and warm spring with remarkable differences in temperature between the different areas. The beginning of the summer was warm, not very hot, but the most important factor was the rainfall; it was above normal, not in terms of days, but in terms of intensity. This wet condition along with the warm temperature created perfect conditions for repetitive fungal infections. In order to avoid serious damage, we had to manage the vineyards more intensely and efficiently than usual. Furthermore, we had to make severe decisions, such as thinning the crop heavily and sorting the grapes with extreme precision, with a very low production as a result. In September the weather turned into sunny and clear days with cool mornings. These great conditions helped the Nebbiolo Grapes to achieve the perfect phenolic maturation.
- Harvest Date(s): October
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Vinification
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100% in stainless steel, temperature-controlled, with automatic pump overs, post-fermentation maceration for 30 days with 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
- Varietal Composition: 100% Nebbiolo da Barolo, Rosé sub-variety of Nebbiolo
- Production (in cases): 817 (6/750ml)
- Cases Imported: 140
- Imported Case Pack: 6/750
- Alcohol: 14.50%
- TA: 6.31 g/L
- p H: 3.52
- RS: 0.60 g/L
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Tasting Notes
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The 2014 Barolo Riserva Vigna Elena is medium-bodied and impressively balanced. The bouquet offers rose petal, white pepper, balsam herb, dry flowers and a hint of sweet tobacco. The mouthfeel is refreshing and determined, with a sense of austerity that culminates in an ethereal aftertaste. It is a Barolo filled with absolute class, lifted by a subtle texture of gracious tannins.
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Images
Reviews
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Elvio Cogno Vigna Elena Barolo Riserva DOCG — 2014 – James Suckling – 94 Points
A tight, firm Barolo with dried-mushroom, floral and dark-berry aromas and flavors. It’s full-bodied and chewy with a linear flow of tannins and acidity through the center, yet it remains focused and transparent with beautiful character. Better after 2022.
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Elvio Cogno Vigna Elena Barolo Riserva DOCG — 2014 – Wine & Spirits – 95 Points
Vigna Elena is a single, sandy plot in the Ravera cru that is planted exclusively to nebbiolo rosé, a late-ripening variety once thought to be a clone of nebbiolo but now considered distinct yet closely related. In a growing season like 2014, with a cool and rainy summer followed by a spectacular September, its late ripening worked to the wine's advantage, giving the fruit an extra two weeks to soak up the autumn sunshine. The wine smells of roses = petals, leaves and stems - and tastes of tart cherry and pomegranate with undercurrents of fresh tobacco. Lithe and lively with supple tannins and
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Elvio Cogno Vigna Elena Barolo Riserva DOCG — 2014 – Wine Enthusiast – 97 Points
Beguiling aromas of pressed rose, perfumed berry, dark spice and new leather mingle together on this fragrant, enticing red. Showing extraordinary finesse, the chiseled delicious palate delivers juicy raspberry, tart red cherry, cinnamon, star anise and chopped mint. A smoky mineral note graces the finish while taut lithe tannins and bright acidity provide elegant support—another beauty from what was overall a difficult vintage. Drink 2022–2034
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Elvio Cogno Vigna Elena Barolo Riserva DOCG – 2014 – Wine Spectator – 94 Points
This is elegant and supple, featuring cherry, strawberry, eucalyptus and iron flavors fused to a firm backbone of acidity and tannins. Fresh and racy, this glides to a long finish. Give this another year or two. Best from 2022 through 2040.