Winemaker Notes
The unique character of this vineyard has historically been prized as one of the best in the region for producing wines of finesse andcharacter, and the 2013 follows suit perfectly. This is the leanestof the four crus, and its high-toned fruit offers an airy purity thatmakes the fruit really jump. Not massive or overly fruity, there isnonetheless plenty of density here. Rocche is also the leasttannic of the group, which enhances its more pure and cerebralcharacter.
Professional Ratings
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Wine Enthusiast
Here’s another stunning offering from this fantastic estate. Elegant, structured and restrained, it opens with enticing Nebbiolo scents of blue flower, perfumed berry, dark spice and a light balsamic note of eucalyptus. The luminous palate delivers juicy red cherry, raspberry, licorice and cinnamon while vibrant acidity and firm, polished tannins provide seamless support. Drink 2023–2043.
Cellar Selection -
Robert Parker's Wine Advocate
The 2013 Barolo Rocche di Castiglione is made according to Alex Sanchez's traditional and time-honored approach. The wine is fermented in cement vats and aged in 40-hectoliter oak casks. The purity of fruit is what stands out most, and this is something to be admired in a cool and classic vintage such as 2013. The wine is brimming with tonic energy and verve. Tangy cassis and dark cherry segue to licorice, ash and tar.
Attracting the most glory, prestige and fame to the Piedmont region, Nebbiolo in all of its expressions—Barolo, Barbaresco, Roero, Ghemme and Gattinara—creates a complex wine, truly unique for its delicate qualities combined with strength and a great potential to improve over time.
But Nebbiolo isn’t all there is to red wine from Piedmont! Barbera is the most planted variety and historically most popular as a dependable, food-friendly, everyday wine.
Beyond these two, a surprising number of red varieties call Piedmont their home. Worth a try include Dolcetto for its bold concentration and aromas of spice cake. Other grapes to investigate include Freisa, Croatina, Brachetto, Grignolino and Pelaverga.
TEFBVBR131_2013 Item# 355388