Barolo La Serra 2021

This historic estate in La Morra, dating back to the mid-1800s, is now being run by the sixth generation brother-sister team of Andrea and Elisa Marchetti. Marcarini's renowned Barolo wines are amongst the regions most classic and their cantina still uses some of the oldest and largest botti.

La Serra sits above Brunate and is entirely in La Morra, although right on the border with Barolo. The vineyard is 3.5 hectares, planted in 1953/1991 and the elevation, 380 metres, gives wine freshness and energy with bright fruit and crunchy acidity. Whilst it doesn't have the status of Brunate, its full of surprises when it comes to cellaring, especially from the warmer vintages.

The 2021 Barolo La Serra is a gorgeous wine from Marcarini. Macerated cherry, spice, orange peel and star anise give the 2021 a decidedly exotic profile, especially in its aromatics. Barolos from La Serra can be a bit angular, but the 2021 here is distinguished by its textural depth and persistence. This is a terrific showing. 94, Antonio Galloni