The warm 2015 growing season in Barolo posed a few challenges for growers, but overall, it was excellent. Coming after the extremely difficult 2014 vintage, which was marked by cool summer temperatures and intense rain during the growing season, the overall hot 2015 vintage was a welcome relief for growers.
Despite the above-average summertime temperatures, 2015 Barolos are balanced and poised, with restrained alcohol levels. Vineyard management was crucial during the summer, especially leaf canopy management, and great care had to be taken to avoid exposing clusters, which would have resulted in scorching the berries, namely in south and southwest facing vineyards. Nebbiolo ripened extremely well and grapes were remarkably healthy, with the Barolo harvest starting between the end of September and the beginning of October.
The 2015s have higher acidity and better color stability than other hot years, and have more restrained alcohol than other hot vintages, ranging between 14 and 14.5% alcohol by volume with 15% being rare. The quality of the tannins is also outstanding. While most wines will be approachable starting around the eight-year mark after the vintage, they also show good aging potential, up to 20 years or more.
Brovia 2015 Rocche di Castiglione (Barolo)
Rose petal, fragrant blue flower, wild berry, baking spice, menthol and new leather are just some of the aromas you’ll find on this gorgeous, fragrant red. Smooth, enveloping and loaded with finesse, the focused palate delivers pomegranate, red cherry, licorice and chopped mint alongside taut, lithe tannins and bright acidity. It’s still youthfully tight but already shows depth and pedigree and will develop even more complexity with aging. Drink 2023–2035. Rosenthal Wine Merchant. Cellar Selection. –K.O.
Fonte: Kerin O’Keefe - WineMag