What kind of wine is Barolo Riserva DOCG “Perno” 2017 - Castello di Perno?
Barolo Riserva DOCG “Perno” 2017 - Castello di Perno is made from 100% Nebbiolo grapes of the Michet variety, sourced from a small and precious vineyard of only 0.3 hectares, called “Vigna della Croce”. Located in the heart of Monforte d’Alba, this plot represents the Perno cru, one of the most renowned areas in the Langhe for producing Barolo of great elegance and longevity. The schist-rich soil enhances the wine with aromatic complexity, balance, and gustatory finesse, giving rise to a full-bodied red, yet with rare harmony, capable of expressing the identity of its territory in every sip.Vintage Details
The 2017 vintage was characterized by regular climatic conditions, with a dry and airy summer that favored the full maturation of the grapes. The deliberately low yields ensured concentrated and high-quality fruits, with ripe tannins and clear aromas. The result is a Barolo that combines power and precision, where the typical structure of Nebbiolo blends with surprising elegance.Winemaking and Aging
The winemaking of Barolo Riserva DOCG “Perno” 2017 - Castello di Perno follows a traditional yet detail-oriented approach. After manual harvesting, the grapes are destemmed and fermented in steel tanks with long maceration on the skins to extract color, aroma, and structure. Aging continues for approximately 72 months in total: partly in large Stockinger Austrian oak barrels and then in the bottle, where the wine further matures, gaining complexity and depth.Tasting Notes
Color
In the glass, it presents a deep garnet color, with orange reflections typical of evolved Nebbiolo, a sign of maturity and refinement.Nose
The nose opens with broad and layered aromas: small ripe red fruits, dried rose, sweet spices, and light balsamic notes. With aeration, more complex hints of tobacco, leather, and undergrowth emerge, inviting further tasting.Palate
The palate is full, firm, yet perfectly balanced. The tannins, which impart a sensation of dryness and structure, are silky and well integrated. The finish is long and elegant, with a lingering taste of red fruit and sweet spices, typical of great age-worthy Barolo.Food Pairings for Barolo Riserva DOCG “Perno” 2017 - Castello di Perno
This Barolo Riserva pairs magnificently with rich and flavorful dishes that can support its aromatic power and structure. Ideal with:- braised beef or game
- dishes featuring white Alba truffle
- aged cheeses such as Castelmagno or Parmigiano Reggiano
- fresh egg pasta with rich meat sauces
Storage and Aging: How to store Barolo Riserva DOCG “Perno” 2017 - Castello di Perno
To preserve it best, it's important to keep it in an environment with a constant temperature between 12 and 16°C, away from light and vibrations. It should be stored horizontally, so that the cork remains moist and ensures a perfect seal. Thanks to its structure and the balance between freshness and tannin, Barolo Riserva DOCG “Perno” 2017 - Castello di Perno has great aging potential: it can evolve for over 15-20 years, revealing new aromatic nuances and an increasingly fascinating complexity over time.Perno Castle
The history of the Castello di Perno winery The Castello di Perno is a jewel nestled in the heart of the Piedmontese hills. This place, rich in history, combines a rich winemaking tradition with a view towards the future, representing a perfect union between heritage and innovation. For generatio...
How to best open and serve Barolo Riserva DOCG “Perno” 2017 - Castello di Perno
1. Bottle positioning
Before opening the Barolo Riserva DOCG “Perno” 2017 - Castello di Perno, allow the bottle to rest in an upright position for at least 24 hours. This step allows natural sediments, typical of aged wines, to settle at the bottom, facilitating a clearer pour free of impurities.
2. Ideal serving temperature
The right temperature is crucial to fully appreciate the aromas and structure of a Barolo Riserva. It is recommended to serve the wine at a temperature between 18°C and 20°C. If the bottle is stored in a cellar, it may be useful to leave it at room temperature for about an hour before serving.
3. Opening the bottle
Use a lever corkscrew or a sommelier corkscrew, taking care to:
- Cut the capsule just below the rim of the neck, to prevent the wine from coming into contact with any metallic residues.
- Insert the corkscrew screw into the center of the cork and remove it slowly, avoiding sudden jerks that could break it.
- Wipe the neck of the bottle with a clean cloth before tasting.
4. Inspection and first taste
Smell the cork: it should emit clean and harmonious aromas. Pour a small amount of Barolo Riserva DOCG “Perno” 2017 - Castello di Perno into a large glass and observe its color, which should be an intense garnet with orange reflections. On the nose, check for any unpleasant cork taint or oxidation odors before serving the wine to guests.
5. Decanting and oxygenation
A wine of this complexity greatly benefits from decanting. Slowly pour the contents of the bottle into a decanting carafe, leaving any sediments at the bottom. Allow the wine to oxygenate for at least 60-90 minutes to fully enhance the notes of spices, leather, undergrowth, and ripe red fruit. The more structured the wine, the more time it can benefit from this phase.
6. Service
Use large, wide-mouthed glasses, ideal for full-bodied red wines like Barolo Riserva DOCG “Perno” 2017 - Castello di Perno. These allow for proper oxygenation and full perception of the aromatic bouquet. Pour about a third of the glass at a time, to allow the wine to breathe even in the glass.
7. Storage after opening
If not entirely consumed, re-seal the bottle with the original cork or an anti-oxidation stopper and store it in the refrigerator or a cool, dark place. The Barolo Riserva will maintain good characteristics for 24-48 hours. Before serving it again, bring it back to the ideal temperature and check that the aromatic profile has not undergone any alterations.