Azienda Agricola Cagliero Barolo DOCG "Ravera" Riserva 2016 750mL

Cagliero only release a Riserva when the vintage allows for a timeless wine. 

2016 was a mild year, which allowed the Nebbiolo to have the long growing season it loves. With climate change in full swing, there won't be many years like this in Piedmont's future. We love the slightly riper, warmer years too, but the 2016 style is worth investing in while you have the chance.

Barolo Riserva requires an additional 2 years of ageing compared to regular Barolo, for a total of 62 months, or just over 5 years (that explains the price tag). 18 months of that is required to be in new oak. Stefano uses French oak tonneaux for 2 years and large old Slavonian oak casks for a further 2 years. You can imagine with those extraordinary requirements, only the very best fruit will result in a complex and balanced wine. This fruit is 100% hand harvested Nebbiolo from the cru Ravera, in Novello.

With a few hours of air in a decanter, we found the Riserva utterly charming - our glasses were emptied far too quickly. The tannins are perfectly integrated already. The younger barolos from Cagliero are incredible and will improve their balance with age, but the Riserva already has balance up there with Simone Biles.

The fruit is bright and fresh with raspberry, cherries, and red and black plums. Spices lean toward aniseed and liquorice. There will be more to come as it continues to age, but as expected, there are already notes of tobacco and coffee. Ethereal hints of truffle will no doubt grow with time. The oak influence is only detectable through its wonderful body and silky tannins.

It was perfect with lemon veal scaloppini and roasted duck fat potatoes.