Le Gramolere Riserva 2001

Made from Nebbiolo grapes grown in the Le Gramolare vineyard in Monforte d’Alba. They may be a bit more modern in style, but I really do like the Barolos of Giovanni Manzone. The Le Gramolare Riserva of 2001 is, moreover, exactly what I would expect from a great Barolo from Monforte. It has a fairly intense garnet colour and somewhat “dark” aromas with notes of violets, leather and tobacco, and with liquorice and cocoa in the background. The flavour is firm, forthright and rich, with plentiful but gentle tannins, good acidity and a very long, mouth-filling finish. Serve it at 18°C with beef braised in Barolo, roast kid or game.