Arnaldo Rivera Barolo Undicicomuni 2017

There is a core of cherry, strawberry and floral aromas and flavors here, accented by wild herb and iron. Lean and firm, yet vibrant and complex, with a long fruity, savory and mineral aftertaste. Best from 2024 through 2042. 4,500 cases made, 1,000 cases imported.

There is no wine like this in the appellation. Made by a cooperative winery with access to fruit from across all the villages of Barolo, the Arnaldo Rivera 2017 Barolo Undicicomuni ("eleven villages") is an ambitious blend of Nebbiolo from several sites: Serralunga d'Alba (San Rocco); Castiglione Falletto (Codana, Piantà and Villero); Diano d'Alba (two sites in Sorano); La Morra (Boiolo and two sites in Rocche dell'Annunziata); and Verduno (Campasso). You get a bit of grape DNA from every corner of the growing region. The result is a balanced and bright wine with silky fruit, cassis, rusty metal and blue flower. There is a touch of white pepper on the close. Production stands at a solid 50,000 bottles.

Blended from ten sites across five communes of the region, the 2017 Barolo Undicicomuni spent 26 months in a combination of large French oak cask and tonneaux. Fresh floral aromas of red raspberry, sweet baking spice, and crushed rose petal. Atr followed by an open and inviting palate with sweet cherry fruit, cedar, and cocoa. The Undicicomuni presents a modestly modern style with ease that casts a large net. Drink 2022-2034.

Violet, forest floor and leather aromas lead the way. The firm palate features dried black cherry, tobacco and star anise alongside austere tannins. Drink 2023-2029.