Luigi Pira Barolo 2017 & more

For many, the new year starts January 1^st. For some of us, the real fun begins when the new vintages hit the market! The 2020’s should start to show up, and some have made their way to me! In addition to the new vintages of Dolcetto, Barbera and Nebbiolo, I was lucky to taste a Luigi Pira Barolo 2017 as well!

Below are my tasting notes for the new vintages:

Luigi Pira Dolcetto d’Alba 2020

Luigi Pira’s Dolcetto is made with 40 year old Dolcetto vines. After spending 8-9 months in stainless steel, the wine is bottled and ready to go! The 2020 has a beautiful Dolcetto nose. Not as explosive and concentrated as 2019, but more floral with notes of dark red fruit and cherry. Good structure and relatively full bodied for a Dolcetto.

Luigi Pira Barbera d’Alba Superiore 2019

The Luigi Pira Barbera d’Alba Superiore ages 12 months in botte grande. The Barbera plants grow in Roddino a town that borders Serralunga d’Alba and Monforte d’Alba, and are about 20 years old.  

Luigi Pira Langhe Nebbiolo 2019

Released a year later than most of its “peers”, the Langhe Nebbiolo from Pira has spent about 12 months in big oak barrels. In addition to the terroir, the oak helps to give the wine its structure and complexity.
The 2019 is very fruity and crisp with hints of Strawberry. Full bodied and structured with tannins that disappear quickly, leaving you with red fruits. A balanced wine.
The Luigi Pira Langhe Nebbiolo 2018 was a bit different, with aroma of red fruit, leather, spices and tobacco as well as a hint of oak notes. Fruity in the mouth, crisp and complex. Persistent tannins with a long finish.

Luigi Pira Barolo 2017 – Vignarionda

The Luigi Pira Barolo Vignarionda is considered Pira’s top wine.  Aged for 24 months in a mix of barrique, tonneau and botte grande. Floral and fruity on the nose, with hints of mineral and we earth. The Vignarionda is a big, but the tannins disappear quickly, and you’re left with a well-balanced Barolo.