The Vaira family’s parcel in Coste di Rose in Barolo are gorgeously located on the top of the MGA, at 310m above sea level. It’s a unique vineyard. The soil is dominated by a pure Arenaria di Diano, a Tortonian sandstone that delivers distinctive floral aromatics and a salty minerality. This cru is one of Barolo’s best-kept secrets, being located right in between Cannubi and Bussia, yet away from the beaten paths.
Fruit is picked usually around the third week of October. Vinification occurs in custom-designed vertical tini, with gentle punch down and rinsing of the cap. Maceration lasts 40 to 50 days on average. Malolactic conversion takes place in stainless steel, the following spring.
Coste di Rose is possibly the most approachable cru of Barolo at this stage, with roses and a floral- dominated nose, combined with marasca cherry and hints of liquorice and mint. A very elegant and pleasurable structure that flows gracefully on the palate with a lingering and sapid finish.
Winery Notes
Critic Reviews
Ripe red fruit, blood orange, mint and nutmeg. Juicy dark red fruits with a bit of orange tang, spicy too, with firm chalky tannin, plenty of chew and energy, and a bit of liquorice on a long firm finish. A little more chunky and open-knit than usual, but still very good.
94 points. Gary Walsh, The Wine Front June 2021