The Barolo Castelletto is made with 100% Nebbiolo grapes grown in the upper parts of the Castelletto cru in Monforte d’Alba. Castelletto is a cool, east-facing cru facing the famous Vigna Rionda cru of Serralunga d’Alba, separated only by a small stream at the bottom of the valley.
The 2017 vintage was challenging for many in the region due to heat and drought. However, wine critic Walter Speller has noted on JancisRobinson.com: ‘it is Monforte d'Alba that has turned out to be the absolute star in this vintage. Tasting its wines was like changing gears, going from a sluggish it is Monforte d'Alba that has turned out to walk to a brisk pace. The wines show generous, juicy fruit with a proper tannic core and plenty of the energy that is in short supply in 2017. The Castelletto cru, until now still flying a little under the radar, delivered a number of delicious wines’
Very delicate aromas on the nose, with concentrated fruit on the palate and an elegant style. There is more depth and power here than in the regular Barolo.
About the producer
Castello di Perno is an important, up and coming estate in Piedmont of which wine lovers will be hearing a lot more in years to come. The brain child of Milanese lawyer Gregorio Gitti, Castello di Perno was founded in 2012 and owns 14 hectares (35 acres) of vineyard in the Monforte d’Alba, Nizza and Alta Langha regions, all farmed organically.
The castello in question sits at the summit of the tiny village of Perno, and houses Signor Gitti’s extensive collection of contemporary art. The wines are made by one of the region’s top winemaking consultants, Gian Luca Colombo.
