Renato Corino 2018 Barolo del Comune di La Morra DOCG, Italy

This wine opens with scents of cinnamon and smoke accompanying dominant fruit note of strawberry and cherry, hints of mint, oregano, forest, and orange zest. Its texture is velvety on the palate where red fruits take the dominant role. Fresh tannins keep the wine bright and intriguing all the way through the finish.

This wine is a blend of Nebbiolo grapes from the family's three crus in La Morra and one from Serralunga d'Alba. The vines average 35 years old (senior citizens), producing more complex and intense flavor and aromatic compounds. Low yields are to be expected from such vines, and in this case a precious 2 tons per acre.

1,000 cases produced. Organic and sustainable. 24 mos in barrel and bottle prior to release.

As with many European countries, inheritance laws in Italy divide a family property among the siblings. When the Corino estate was divided in 2005, brother Renato established his own estate with family vineyards located in the prized La Morra crus of Rocche dell’Annunziata, Arborina and Pozzo. He now runs the estate with his son and daughter Stefano and Chiara.

The Corinos farm the vineyards with sustainable practices - only organic sprays to control mold and mildew, grass grown between the vines is tilled under after harvest to nourish the vineyard. In vintages where the crop is heavy, Renato carefully drops fruit twice to ensure the remaining clusters are perfectly developed. The result is certainly outstanding: Barolo Rocche dell’Annunziata is a wine whose magical elegance and finesse are envied by other growers in the appellation, earning it the moniker the “Musigny” of Barolo.