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Red dry
Elio Altare Cannubi Barolo DOCG 2021 - Born from the legendary Cannubi cru Barolo slope, "Elio Altare Cannubi" is one of the most prestigious wines of this farm, distinguished by its limited quantity (about 1,200 bottles). It is an elegant and expressive Nebbiolo grape wine, combining a delicate floral bouquet, fruit purity and the depth of noble spices.
The aroma reveals rose blossoms, cherries, plums, cloves and licorice, accompanied by notes of soft leather and incense. The taste is warm, rich, but at the same time elegant, with silky tannins and a long-lasting aftertaste.
The Cannubi slope is famous for its combination of marl, clay and sand, which gives the wine structure and mineral freshness. The grapes are harvested from vines aged ~30 years, fermentation takes place briefly with the skins, and maturation lasts 24 months. in French oak barrels.
Serve at 16-18 °C with beef stew seasoned with herbs, mature cheeses and appetizers such as truffle sandwiches, risotto with wild mushrooms/truffles.
Fruit comes from a leased site in Cannubi, and the first vintage made was 2011. Jumping forward one decade, the Elio Altare 2021 Barolo Cannubi is a rounded and fleshed-out expression with dark fruit, dried cherry, spice and hints of cured tobacco. I notice the sweet oak flavors and the 15% alcohol content. The wine ages in barrique for 24 months, with 20% new oak. However, that bigger aromatic profile is adequately matched to the wine's medium-plus texture. This is a release of 1,400 bottles.
The Altare family was originally from the town of Dogliani before buying the farm in La Morra. Back then, the estate covered 5 hectares of Nebbiolo, Barbera and dolcetto vineyards, along with some peach, hazelnut and apple trees. Those were times when orchards gave higher yields and more profits than vineyards. Back then it wasn’t easy, given the economic crisis that lasted for years. Elio, along with other friends, decided to learn more about winemaking by traveling beyond the borders of Piemonte, trying to learn from the success that other regions were enjoying. Their first trip to Burgundy, in January 1976, was a revelation, and when Elio got back home he knew there were major changes to be made. He wasn't afraid: he grabbed a chainsaw as if it was a sword, and first he cut down the fruit trees in the orchard, then he chopped up the big old wooden tanks in the cellar into firewood. In this way, he made room for his first brand-new barrique. His father Giovanni didn't understand him. His son's radical decisions were too far from his way of thinking. Being from an older generation and poorer times, he was not able to accept what he thought was an offense against common sense and tradition, and because of their different opinions, Giovanni and Elio’s relationship fell into silence. He died in 1985 and tragically disinherited Elio. Elio continued to work while he bought back the winery and vineyards from his siblings. Elio stood firm then and still does today. His decisions marked a radical change of direction and give a different interpretation to the family's wine, favoring elegance, finesse, and balance, following a strict regime in the vineyards, and adopting new vinification and aging techniques in the cellar. The farm is still family-managed today. In 2003, Silvia – Elio’s oldest daughter – began working beside him, while Elena, his younger daughter, moved to Germany, where she runs a wine importing company. Up to today we farm about 10 hectares with an average production of 70,000 bottles.
