2009 Ca’ Brusà Vigna d’Vai Barolo Riserva

Ca’ Brusà winery

Piedmont, located in Italy’s northwest, where the Apennines end and the Alps begin, is widely regarded as Italy’s version of Burgundy: a complex and varied terroir producing wines of extraordinary power and elegance. And it is home to Ca’ Brusà, outside the village of Monforte d’Alba. Their vineyards run down the slope of a natural amphitheatre across the road from the winery, where the vines catch optimum sunlight for ripening. Their Barbera d’Alba Superiore “Cunca d’Or” spends a year in small oak barrels and then a year in bottle before release, and it positively bursts with the joyous drinkability that this grape is known for. And the Barolo Riserva Vigna D’Vai is simply a great wine, with layers of fruit and herbs enrobed with supple tannins, that captivating rustic earthy Barolo aroma, and a finish that goes on and on. After two years in oak, the wine matures in bottle for seven more years before its release. Barolo is a wine that many believe is at its peak after reaching ten years. Decant and drink now, or cellar for up to ten more years if you like.