Winery: Azienda Virna

Vintage: 2006

Wine Name/Vineyard: Barolo

Wine Category: Barolo

Grape blend: 100% Nebbiolo

Bottle size: 750 ml

Region: Barolo (Piedmont)

State or country: Italy

Price: $40.00

ABV: 14%

Cases produced: N/A

The Barrel Cellar Score:  90 points

Review date: January 02, 2019

About the Winemaker:  Barolo wines are some of the finest in Italy.  Virna produces their Barolo from estate grown grapes and ages it in Slovenian oak.  Head winemaker Virna Borgogno took over winemaking duties in this family owned farm after becoming the first woman to complete the wine making techniques program from Turin University.

Color:  Auburn with a pink rim

Nose:  Blackberry, BBQ spice, cherry, and oak.

Taste: Freshly picked and perfectly ripened Mediterranean olive, cherry, peach skin, and peach flesh. Finish: dried herbs

Assessment: The harmony of soft tannins and perfectly ripened flavor notes stand out in this offering.  It’s full bodied, and the soft tannins will offer a likability to experienced and novice wine drinkers alike.  The finish is sustained thanks to the “grippiness” of the tannins.

More recent vintages will cellar well for at least ten years.  The 2006 vintage should be enjoyed now, but is still in good shape.

The great thing about well done Italian old world wine is how they manage to be quite forward on the tannins, yet maintain complexity of character as well as balance.  In the end, perhaps that’s my favorite thing about Italian wines. Azienda Virna does the old world proud with their 2006 Barolo Vintage.

Pop open a bottle of this for “una buona serata garantita.” Virna Barolo is a very good wine.  90 points.

Pairing recommendation:  Barbequed Pork ribs or pasta with red sauce.