If any of Barolo's communes could make the most of the powerful, dense character of the 2006 vintage it was Serralunga. Historically the home to the most austere, tannic, and unforgiving wines of the region, it's no surprise then that many producers in Serralunga were able to manage the weight and tannins of this important vintage as well as, if not better than, their neighbors.
While that may be the case, it doesn't necessarily make for a better wine today. As always, Serralunga's wines are those that, as a group, seem destined to benefit the most from time in the cellar. The 2006 vintage seems to be one that has proven to be slow to develop. Since the wines of Serralunga tend to impress with structure as opposed to fruit, it is no surprise that these wines as a group have been a bit easier to understand than wines from the other communes. I found this to be a very strong vintage for Serralunga, as long as one is a patient drinker!
Please also see:
Barolo 2006 - Castiglione Falletto
Barolo 2006 - La Morra
Barolo 2006 - Verduno
Barolo 2006 - Monforte
Barolo 2006 - Barolo
While that may be the case, it doesn't necessarily make for a better wine today. As always, Serralunga's wines are those that, as a group, seem destined to benefit the most from time in the cellar. The 2006 vintage seems to be one that has proven to be slow to develop. Since the wines of Serralunga tend to impress with structure as opposed to fruit, it is no surprise that these wines as a group have been a bit easier to understand than wines from the other communes. I found this to be a very strong vintage for Serralunga, as long as one is a patient drinker!
Please also see:
Barolo 2006 - Castiglione Falletto
Barolo 2006 - La Morra
Barolo 2006 - Verduno
Barolo 2006 - Monforte
Barolo 2006 - Barolo
Map
Related Imagery
The communes of Barolo
Looking north across the main slope under the village of Serralunga
Looking towards Rionda from the north edge of the village of Serralunga
Serralunga as seen from Castiglione Falletto
Serralunga d’Alba
114 distinct vineyards covering 310 hectares/766 acres or 17% of Barolo vineyards
Making up virtually the entire eastern border of the Barolo appellation, Serralunga is often referred to as the odd man out among Barolo appellations. Not only is the soil here virtually all Helvetian, there is simply something to these hillsides that creates a different style of Barolo.
Wines from Serralunga are famed for their formidable tannic structures as well as unusually savory and frequently medicinal flavors. These can be tough wines, both literally and in the sense that even when fruit-driven they are far from fruity.
The appeal of these wines lies almost entirely in their ability to magically transform themselves in the cellar. While often thin, hard, and austere in their youth, Barolo from Serralunga develop to be the most perfumed and complex wines of the region. Unfortunately, maturity frequently doesn’t arrive until the wine’s third decade, making for many disappointing experiences over the years.
Vineyards of note:
Cascina Francia
Rionda
Marenca
Lazzarito
Gabutti
The Fontanafredda estate
Producers of note:
Giacomo Conterno – located in Monforte
Luigi Pira
Massolino
Giacosa
Ascheri
Guido Porro
Fontanafredda
Schiavenza
Cappellano
114 distinct vineyards covering 310 hectares/766 acres or 17% of Barolo vineyards
Making up virtually the entire eastern border of the Barolo appellation, Serralunga is often referred to as the odd man out among Barolo appellations. Not only is the soil here virtually all Helvetian, there is simply something to these hillsides that creates a different style of Barolo.
Wines from Serralunga are famed for their formidable tannic structures as well as unusually savory and frequently medicinal flavors. These can be tough wines, both literally and in the sense that even when fruit-driven they are far from fruity.
The appeal of these wines lies almost entirely in their ability to magically transform themselves in the cellar. While often thin, hard, and austere in their youth, Barolo from Serralunga develop to be the most perfumed and complex wines of the region. Unfortunately, maturity frequently doesn’t arrive until the wine’s third decade, making for many disappointing experiences over the years.
Vineyards of note:
Cascina Francia
Rionda
Marenca
Lazzarito
Gabutti
The Fontanafredda estate
Producers of note:
Giacomo Conterno – located in Monforte
Luigi Pira
Massolino
Giacosa
Ascheri
Guido Porro
Fontanafredda
Schiavenza
Cappellano
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