Francone Barolo 2021 – Barolo

The wine has a pale ruby color. The nose is perfumed, with a fruity dominance at the opening (wild strawberry, juicy morello cherry), which combines with an expressive mineral framework (limestone, a touch of tar) after aeration. Then, we find notes of crushed peppermint, rosemary in syrup and fresh pine needles, as well as sweet gourmet spices (liquorice, a subtle hint of vanilla, nutmeg, a spicy peppery touch) and elegant floral nuances (peony, iris in the background, cornflower). Aeration also brings out gourmet notes of fresh blackberry and raspberry. The palate is lively, precise and bright, with a tangy and juicy attack (we can sense in particular the flavors of red cherry, crushed blueberry, fresh strawberry and blackcurrant), with a good bitterness of fresh cherry and dried grapefruit peel. Then, we find a good bitterness of coffee, touches of roasting (grilled in the background, toasted hazelnut), aromatic herbs (peppermint, pine needles, even blackcurrant leaf in the background), sweet spices (liquorice, nutmeg, a hint of white pepper) and sweet flowers (iris, peony). Tannins are cocoa, fine-grained, but tight and grippy, slightly drying on the persistence. Beautiful salivating acidity and a gourmet bitterness of chocolate helps balance the profile of the wine. Good persistence in the mouth and potential for aging.