What kind of wine is Barolo DOCG 'Lazzarito' 2016 - Mirafiore?
The Barolo DOCG 'Lazzarito' 2016 - Mirafiore is born in the heart of Serralunga d'Alba, one of the most prestigious areas of the Langhe. It is a red wine of great character, made exclusively from Nebbiolo grapes, the emblematic varietal of Piedmont capable of expressing unparalleled elegance and structure. This Barolo encapsulates the soul of the Lazzarito cru: a soil rich in calcareous marl that gives the wine depth, balance, and an unmistakable personality.
Vintage Details
The 2016 vintage is considered one of the best in recent decades for Barolo. The season had a balanced climate, with a regular spring and a warm but not excessive summer. The Nebbiolo grapes reached perfect phenolic ripeness, ensuring a balance between acidic freshness and aromatic richness. The result is a complex, harmonious wine with great aging potential.
Winemaking and Aging
The winemaking of Barolo DOCG 'Lazzarito' 2016 - Mirafiore follows the traditional philosophy of the winery. Fermentation takes place in stainless steel, with a long maceration on the skins to best extract color and tannins. After malolactic fermentation, the wine matures for about 24 months in large oak barrels. This is followed by further aging in the bottle, necessary to achieve full harmony before commercialization. This process gives the wine an elegant and complex profile, where the power of Nebbiolo blends with the finesse of the wood.
Tasting Notes
Color
Visually, the Barolo DOCG 'Lazzarito' 2016 - Mirafiore presents an intense garnet red with orange nuances that begin to emerge with evolution, a distinctive sign of great, long-aged Nebbiolo wines.
Nose
The bouquet is broad and refined. Aromas of ripe red fruits and cherry give way to notes of violet, licorice, and sweet spices, alongside hints of tobacco and leather. Each sip invites exploration, with a nose that continuously evolves in the glass.
Palate
On the palate, it stands out for its solid structure and dense yet elegant tannins. The balance between power and finesse is perfect: the freshness provides vigor, while the lingering taste is long and enveloping. The savory and mineral finish fully reflects the terroir of Serralunga d'Alba, making this Barolo harmonious and profound.
What dishes to pair with Barolo DOCG 'Lazzarito' 2016 - Mirafiore
A wine of such complexity deserves pairings that enhance its structure. It pairs magnificently with:
- Hearty red meat dishes, such as braised meats or roasts;
- Game and feathered game;
- Aged hard cheeses;
- Typical Piedmontese dishes like risotto al Barolo or boiled mixed meats (bollito misto).
It is also a meditation wine, ideal to enjoy on its own, allowing each sip to reveal new nuances.
Storage and Aging
For those wondering how to store Barolo DOCG 'Lazzarito' 2016 - Mirafiore wine, the answer is simple: in a dark, cool environment with controlled humidity, at a constant temperature between 12 and 16°C. Thanks to its structure and the presence of well-integrated tannins, this Barolo has great aging potential, even beyond 15-20 years. Over time, it will evolve towards more tertiary aromas, with notes of undergrowth, leather, and spices, offering an increasingly fascinating sensory experience.
Mirafiore
The history of Mirafiore winery The Mirafiore winery is a milestone in the Italian wine landscape, with a history rich in tradition and heritage intertwined with modern innovations. Its origins date back to the late 19th century, when the founder wanted to create wines that best expressed the ter...
How to best open and serve Barolo DOCG 'Lazzarito' 2016 - Mirafiore
1. Bottle positioning
Before opening Barolo DOCG 'Lazzarito' 2016 - Mirafiore, it is important to position the bottle vertically for at least 24 hours. This allows natural sediments, typical of great aged red wines, to settle at the bottom, preventing them from ending up in the glass when served.
2. Ideal serving temperature
To fully appreciate the aromas and structure of this Barolo, the ideal serving temperature is between 18°C and 20°C. If the wine has been stored in a cellar, take it out about an hour before and allow it to acclimatize without exposing it to direct heat sources.
3. Opening the bottle
Use a lever or sommelier corkscrew to gently open the bottle. Follow these steps:
- Remove the capsule by cutting it below the neck ring.
- Thoroughly clean the top edge with a clean cloth.
- Slowly extract the cork, avoiding abrupt movements that could disturb the wine.
Check that the cork is sound and shows no signs of mold or excessive humidity.
4. Inspection and first taste
Pour a small amount of Barolo DOCG 'Lazzarito' 2016 - Mirafiore into a glass and evaluate its color and aroma. The wine should have a bright garnet hue with slight orange reflections and a complex bouquet. A brief taste helps to determine if the wine needs further oxygenation.
5. Decanting and oxygenation
As a Barolo of great structure and finesse, it is advisable to decant it to best express its aromatic potential. Here's how to proceed:
- Slowly pour the wine into a carafe or decanter, avoiding disturbing the sediments.
- Allow the wine to oxygenate for 1–2 hours before serving.
- During decanting, keep the container at a stable room temperature and away from intense light sources.
6. Serving
Serve Barolo DOCG 'Lazzarito' 2016 - Mirafiore in large red wine glasses, preferably tulip-shaped, which allow the wine to fully develop its complex bouquet of spicy, floral, and balsamic notes. Pour about a third of the glass to allow for proper aeration during tasting.
7. Storage after opening
If not entirely consumed, the wine can be stored for 2–3 days. Follow these precautions:
- Re-seal the bottle with the original cork or a vacuum stopper.
- Store it in the refrigerator or in a cool, dark place, with a constant temperature around 12°C–15°C.
- Before serving again, allow the wine to return to its optimal serving temperature.
By following these simple steps, you can enjoy Barolo DOCG 'Lazzarito' 2016 - Mirafiore in its most authentic expression, appreciating every nuance of its elegant and complex character.