Luigi Pira, 'Marenca', Barolo DOCG, Piedmont, Italy, 2019

Overview of the Wine
Luigi Pira has been growing grapes and making wine in Serralunga since the 1950s, the Barolo village most notable for its intense perfume and structure. With several crus in the village, the Piras have fantastic parcels in the Marenca and Margheria vineyards (totalling 1 hectare), as well as the legendary cru Vignarionda - widely considered the best site in Serralunga and one that defines the soul of Barolo. The winemaking is traditional, a modest vatting of 12-15 days on skins followed by 24 months of ageing in bottle. 

Grape / Blend
100% Nebbiolo 

Origin
Piedmont, Italy

Winemaker's Tasting Notes
The Marenca cru extends over 2 hectares. It is located in Serralunga d'Alba with a western exposure in a calcareous-clayish soil. Vines were replanted in 1990 and produce grapes that give a powerful Barolo with typical tannic richness. Marenca sits to the east of Margheria and is a true southerly exposure and a genuine amphitheatre. It's a virtual monopoly for Pira (Gaja owns the other section of the vineyard but blends it away), and the site is one of the best in Serralunga producing wines with deep and impressive flavours and structures.

95 Points - Decanter
Bright ruby in the glass, Pira's Marenca 2019 shows a bright definition of liquorice stick with vibrant violet and a bergamot-like citrus note. The attack is elegant, refreshing and savoury, but then the palate is dominated by firm, grainy tannins with a dusty yet sweet finish. A greatly powerful wine which deserves attention for its ageing ability.

95 Points - Jeb Dunnuck
A bit more reserved now, the 2019 Barolo Marenca is ripe with kirsch, tobacco, leather, and anise and is a more meditative wine that will need time to unfurl. It takes on even more power and structure on the palate, with ripe muscular tannins and ample fruit throughout. Full-bodied, with notes of ripe cherry, tea leaf, and turned earth, this one demands time. Drink 2026-2046.

Product size: 750ml