Nadia Curto Barolo La Morra
Nadia emphasizes sustainable viticulture and minimal intervention in the winemaking process. Her wines are celebrated for their balance, refinement, and ability to express the unique characteristics of La Morra's Nebbiolo grapes. She produces a range of Barolo wines, often focusing on single-vineyard expressions that showcase the nuances of different terroirs within the region. Her approach blends traditional methods with modern sensibilities, offering wines that are both accessible and age-worthy.
In addition to Barolo, the estate also produces other classic Piedmontese wines like Dolcetto, Barbera, and Langhe Nebbiolo. Nadia Curto’s wines are praised for their purity, elegance, and reflection of the distinct character of the Langhe region.
La Morra Commune:
Barolo from La Morra is often described as more "feminine" in style, with an emphasis on finesse and perfume. The wines typically showcase floral aromas, red fruits, and sometimes a distinct rose or violet note. While they are still age-worthy, the softer tannins make them more approachable in their youth compared to Barolos from other communes. The soils in La Morra are primarily composed of calcareous clay and sand, contributing to the elegance and aromatics of the wines. The higher elevation and soil composition result in wines that tend to be more fragrant, lighter in body, and softer in tannins compared to those from other Barolo communes, like Serralunga or Monforte d'Alba, which are known for more strntured, powerful wines.
Notable Crus: La Morra is home to several prestigious single vineyards, or "crus," including Brunate, Rocche dell’Annunziata, Arborina and Cerequio, which are highly regarded for producing some of the finest Barolos. These vineyards are known for their ideal exposure and soil composition, making them prime locations for growing Nebbiolo.
2021 Langhe Nebbiolo The 2021 Nadia Curto Langhe Nebbiolo is a fine example of the Nebbiolo grape from the Langhe region, crafted with care and a focus on expressing the grape's purity. Langhe Nebbiolo is often considered a younger, more accessible sibling to Barolo, yet it still carries the essence of Nebbiolo's elegance and complexity.
Maceration here is from several weeks and the wine afterwards aging in Big Botti.
a bright Ruby color, little garnet on the rim. The aromas are fragrant and elegant, featuring notes of red cherries, raspberries, and strawberries, along with floral hints of rose petals and violets. There may also be subtle earthy undertones and a touch of spice, such as cinnamon or white pepper. The finish is clean and persistent, with a balance of fruit, floral notes, and a hint of gentle tannins, making it approachable yet complex.
The 2020 Barolo "La Foia"The grapes for this Barolo are hand-harvested and undergo a long fermentation to extract the full depth of flavors. The wine is aged in large oak barrels ("'botti") to soften the tannins and bring out the wine's complexity while maintaining the integrity of the Nebbiolo fruit. The 2020 Nadia Curto Barolo "La Foia" is a highly regarded wine, reflecting the distinct character of the Nebbiolo grape from one of Barolo's prime vineyard areas. "La Foia" comes from a single vineyard site within the La Morra commune the Arborina cru, where Nadia Curto continues her family's tradition of producing expressive, terroir-driven wines.
Appearance: The 2020 "La Foia" has a nice garnet hue, characteristic of Barolo wines, with some lighter edges showing its Nebbiolo origins. The aromatic profile is intense and layered, offering classic Barolo notes of dried roses, violets, and red cherries. There are underlying aromas of tar, licorice, and truffle, along with hints of leather and spice from the oak aging. Subtle earthy and smoky nuances add to the complexity.
On the palate, the 2020 La Foia is full-bodied with refined structure. The tannins are firm yet well-integrated, giving the wine a bold presence while still allowing the vibrant acidity to balance the richness. Flavors of ripe cherries, dried red berries, and plums are prominent, interwoven with secondary notes of tobacco, anise, and a touch of menthol. A savory undertone of herbs and minerality gives the wine depth and character.
The finish is long and complex, with the tannins and acidity working in harmony to provide a sense of freshness. Lingering notes of dark fruit, spices, and subtle earthy tones leave a lasting impression.
While approachable now with some decanting, the 2020 Barolo "La Foia" will benefit from further aging. Over the next 8-15 years, the tannins will soften, and the wine's complexity will continue to evolve, revealing more nuanced flavors and tertiary notes. Showcasing the balance between power and finesse that Nebbiolo is known for.
2016 Barolo Riserva La Foia The 2016 Nadia Curto Barolo Riserva "La Foia" is a standout vintage, benefiting from both the ideal growing conditions of 2016 and the extended aging that comes with the "Riserva" designation. This wine comes from carefully selected grapes in the "La Foia" vineyard Arborina in La Morra, known for producing Barolo with elegance and complexity. As a Riserva, the wine is aged longer than standard Barolo, allowing it to develop greater depth and complexity.
The 2016 Barolo Riserva "La Foia" follows traditional Barolo production methods. After fermentation, the wine is aged in large oak barrels for an extended period, typically five years, before release. This extended aging allows the tannins to soften and the wine to develop its full potential, both aromatically and structurally. Nadia Curto practices sustainable viticulture, with minimal intervention, letting the natural characteristics of the vineyard shine through.
Tasting notes:
The 2016 Barolo Riserva "La Foia" has a deep garnet color, with hints of brick orange on the rim, showing some evolution from its additional aging.
The bouquet is layered and complex, offering classic Barolo aromas of dried roses, tar, and dark red fruit, such as cherries and plums. Earthy undertones of truffle, forest floor, and leather are present, along with hints of tobacco, cedar, and spices like clove and cinnamon. There are also subtle balsamic and herbal notes, adding to the wine’s aromatic depth. Full-bodied and structured, the 2016 Riserva showcases firm, well-integrated tannins balanced by vibrant acidity. The flavors are rich and intense, with ripe cherry, blackcurrant, and dried fig at the forefront. Secondary flavors of leather, licorice, and smoky undertones provide complexity, while earthy notes and a mineral backbone give the wine a sense of place. There’s a savory character on the palate, reflecting the La Morra terroir, alongside hints of spice and a touch of menthol. The finish is long and persistent, with lingering notes of dark fruit, spices, and a refined tannic structure. The acidity keeps the wine fresh, while the depth of flavors ensures a satisfying, evolving finish that will only improve with time.
Aging Potential: The 2016 vintage is one of Barolo's best in recent years, known for its perfect balance of power and finesse. The Riserva status means this wine is built to age, and it will continue to evolve beautifully over the next 15-20 years, developing more complex tertiary flavors of dried fruit, tobacco, and savory notes.
The 2016 Barolo Riserva "La Foia" pairs exceptionally well with robust dishes such as braised beef, wild game, truffle-infused risotto, and mature cheeses like Parmigiano-Reggiano or Pecorino. Its structure and depth make it ideal for meals that are rich in flavor and texture. In summary, the 2016 Nadia Curto Barolo Riserva "La Foia" is an exceptional wine, combining elegance, power, and complexity. It represents the pinnacle of Barolo winemaking, with a structure that will allow it to age gracefully for many years to come.
2020 Barolo Arborina The grapes for the 2020 "'Arborina" come from vines grown in sandy, calcareous soils, which contribute to the wine's finesse and aromatic complexity. Nadia employs a more modern winemaking approach, with fermentation in stainless steel followed by aging in french barriqued barrel. The wine is aged for about two years before bottling, balancing structure with elegance.
This is approach of winemaking showcase sweet elements coming through nose and palate without comprising the pureness of Nebbiolo is a style I'm trying to be away. In summary, the 2020 Nadia Curto Barolo "Arborina' is a refined and elegant Barolo that captures the essence of the La Morra commune and the specific character of the Arborina vineyard. It offers an excellent balance of fruit, structure, and complexity, making it a highly desira ble wine for both immediate enjoyment and long-term cellaring.
Overall, La Morra plays a vital role in defining the reputation of Barolo wines, offering a unique balance between elegance and complexity.
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