Poderi Oddero, Barolo Classico DOCG, Piedmont, Italy, 2018

Overview of the Wine
Oddero is one of the oldest and most esteemed estates in all of Barolo. They were one of the first producers to start bottling their wine, instead of selling it off in bulk as was the custom until the 20th century. And when brothers Luigi and Giacomo took charge in the 1950s and ‘60s they helped modernize the winery and increased the quality and the vineyard holdings, without losing sight of the family’s 200 plus year old traditions.

So it’s a bit of a mystery why it took so long for them to catch on in the U.S. I think it's likely due to the fact that they have always sold a good percentage of their production in Italy itself. They have long standing relationships with many of the country’s best restaurants and are well represented on all the top wine lists and at the best wine bars. Whenever I travel there I’m sure to enjoy several bottles of perfectly aged Oddero Baroli.

Origin
Piedmont, Italy

Winemaker's Tasting Notes
In Burgundy terms, this is the Oddero’s ‘village wine’, made from fruit grown in a variety of vineyards within the Barolo area. In the Oddero’s case, blessed as they are by an incredible inheritance of quality sites, these vineyards include Bricco Fiasco, a very well-regarded vineyard in Castiglione Falletto often bottled singly by other producers. The vines are mature, which is an important determining factor of quality; high quality fruit from mature vines, traditional vinification (long maceration and aging in large barrels for 30 months, twice the minimum), gives us textbook Barolo. The combination of vineyards in both of the sides of the appellation gives a wine with medium structure, classic aromas and flavors (wild strawberry, red currants, orange peel, cedar, Ceylon cinnamon, and tealeaves. This of course will age very well for as long as you can resist, certainly up to 15 years and more in great vintages, but I also drink it young, particularly in fresher vintages, with red meats or aged cheeses.

92 Points - Falstaff
Brilliant ruby ​​with a garnet edge. Filigree on the nose with aromas of small wild berries, liquorice, some cinnamon and a slightly buttery note that develops in the glass. Soft and round on entry, followed by tight, firm tannins, with precise fruit and a juicy finish.

Product size: 750ml