From: Piedmont, Italy
Varietal: Nebbiolo
Taste: The 2016 Monchiero Barolo del Comune di Castiglione Falletto presents a beautifully expressive garnet hue in the glass. The nose reveals an enticing bouquet of ripe red cherries, blackberries, and dried roses, intermingled with subtle notes of leather, tobacco, and forest floor. As the wine opens up, delicate hints of baking spices, anise, and crushed mint leaves become more pronounced.
On the palate, the wine showcases a harmonious balance between its rich, dark fruit flavors and bright acidity. The layered complexity unveils nuances of crushed violets, earthy truffle, and licorice, which meld seamlessly with the wine's well-integrated, fine-grained tannins. The 2016 Monchiero Barolo is characterized by its elegance, structure, and impressive length, leaving a lingering finish of minerality, dried herbs, and a touch of bitter cocoa.
Pairing: This Barolo's complexity and depth make it an ideal companion for a variety of dishes, particularly those with robust flavors and rich textures. Consider pairing it with roasted or grilled meats (check out the Mustard-and-Chile-Rubbed Roasted Beef Tenderloin recipe below), game, hearty stews, or aged cheeses.
Regional Pairings: Embrace the flavors of Piedmont with traditional dishes such as Brasato al Barolo (beef braised in Barolo), Agnolotti del Plin (stuffed pasta with meat filling), or Tajarin al Tartufo (thin pasta with truffle). These dishes will complement the wine's earthy, savory notes and highlight the regional characteristics of both the food and the wine.
Vegetarian Pairings: For vegetarian options, consider dishes with umami-rich ingredients like mushrooms, eggplant, or lentils to complement the wine's bold flavors. Try pairing it with wild mushroom risotto, eggplant parmigiana, or a hearty lentil stew.
Mustard-and-Chile-Rubbed Roasted Beef Tenderloin
By Melissa Clark
About. The Monchiero family (pronounced “Mon-khee-eh-ro“) owns 25 acres of vineyards in Piedmont spread throughout the communes of Barolo and Alba. For generations the family farmed and grew grapes on the Montanello estate, outside the small town of Castiglione Falletto. In the 1950s, the brothers Remo and Maggiorino Monchiero started producing wine under their own family name. In the picturesque commune of Castiglione Falletto lies their prized vineyards, where the family has been nurturing and crafting remarkable wines like the 2016 Monchiero Barolo del Comune di Castiglione Falletto.
A Family's Commitment to Tradition
The Monchiero winery in Castiglione Falletto, a 13th-century establishment, was acquired by the family in 1982. Vittorio Monchiero, trained at the oenological institute in Alba, has been steadfast in his commitment to the region's traditional practices. Rejecting the flashy international style that has infiltrated many Piedmont cellars, Vittorio's wines are a testament to the unique flavors and aromas of the region. His sons, Luca and Stefano, are set to continue the family's legacy, ensuring that the Monchiero name remains synonymous with the essence of Barolo.
The 2016 Monchiero Barolo del Comune di Castiglione Falletto: A Wine of Distinction
With high praise from critics (93 JS, 91 WE), the 2016 Monchiero Barolo del Comune di Castiglione Falletto is a wine that commands attention. Sourced from the family's vineyards in Castiglione Falletto, this wine is characterized by its fine aroma, impressive longevity, and notable alcohol content. Traditional mash fermentation with cap and aging in oak barrels allow the tannins to emerge and combine, evolving further as the wine ages in the bottle.
Gary Walsh of The Wine Front states that the 2016 vintage has produced yet another outstanding wine from Monchiero. The wine is described as layered, deep, and energetic, reflecting the captivating beauty of Nebbiolo from Castiglione Falletto. Its length, depth, and precision are accompanied by cooler red fruits and spice, showcasing a fresh fruity character. The tannins are supportive rather than dominant, making this a complex and promising wine with many years ahead.
A Testament to Monchiero's Expertise
Monchiero is considered one of Barolo's greatest under-the-radar producers, with vineyards in some of the region's most esteemed crus. Through their dedication to tradition and meticulous attention to detail, the Monchiero family has crafted wines that capture the spirit of Piedmont. The 2016 Monchiero Barolo del Comune di Castiglione Falletto is a shining example of their mastery, and a wine that is sure to enchant both Barolo enthusiasts and those new to the world of Piedmont wines.
