What kind of wine is Barolo DOCG “Castelletto” 2018 - Castello di Perno

The Barolo DOCG “Castelletto” 2018 - Castello di Perno is made from Nebbiolo grapes cultivated in the Castelletto cru vineyards, in the Monforte d’Alba area, the beating heart of Piedmont’s Langhe region. This wine, recognized with the prestigious Controlled and Guaranteed Denomination of Origin (DOCG), represents one of the most authentic expressions of the territory, capable of combining elegance, structure, and longevity.

It is a full-bodied red wine of great character, capable of captivating both connoisseurs and those new to the world of Barolo.

Vintage Details

The 2018 vintage stands out for its very harmonious overall balance. The season was characterized by a regular climate, with a summer that was not excessively hot and well-distributed rainfall, factors that allowed the grapes to achieve optimal phenolic ripeness (i.e., color and tannin). The result is an elegant Barolo, with clean aromas, fine tannins, and a solid but not aggressive structure.

Winemaking and Aging

Fermentation occurs spontaneously, without the addition of selected yeasts, thus preserving the most authentic aromatic profile of Nebbiolo. The maceration on the skins, the period during which the must remains in contact with the skins to extract color and tannins, takes place at controlled temperature. Aging continues in Austrian oak barrels for at least 18 months, followed by a period in cement tanks and further rest in the bottle, to integrate its components and round out its taste.

Tasting Notes

The Barolo DOCG “Castelletto” 2018 - Castello di Perno is a complex yet harmonious wine, with a refined and profound character, fully expressing the sober and mineral style of the Castelletto hill.

Color

It presents itself in the glass with an intense garnet red with orange reflections, typical of Nebbiolo’s evolution. The transparent yet luminous color anticipates the elegance of the sip.

Nose

The bouquet is broad and multifaceted: notes of ripe red fruits blend with hints of sweet spices, tobacco, and undergrowth. Balsamic and mineral nuances also emerge, defining its aromatic complexity without ever being invasive.

Palate

On the palate, it displays a fine tannic texture, well integrated and supported by good acidity. The structure is vigorous but elegant, with a beautiful gustatory progression that concludes in a long and savory finish. It is a Barolo with a decisive yet balanced character, promising a long evolution over time.

What dishes to pair with Barolo DOCG “Castelletto” 2018 - Castello di Perno

This Barolo is an ideal companion for traditional Piedmontese cuisine and flavorful dishes. It is best enjoyed with:

• braised and roasted red meats
• game dishes
• first courses with meat sauces or porcini mushrooms
• aged cheeses such as Castelmagno or Parmigiano Reggiano

It is also a perfect meditation wine, to be savored in good company, allowing it to slowly open up in the glass.

Storage and Aging

For those wondering how to store Barolo DOCG “Castelletto” 2018 - Castello di Perno, the advice is to keep it in a cool, dark place with a constant temperature between 12 and 16°C. The bottle should be kept horizontal so that the cork remains moist.

Thanks to its structure and balance, this Barolo can evolve positively for over 10-15 years. Over time, it will develop further aromatic nuances and greater softness on the palate, always providing new emotions to those who know how to wait.