Cavallotto Barolo ‘Bricco Boschis’ 2015

Why is this Wine so Yummy?

A couple of years ago we had a Barolo Magnum festa. There were some seriously big names amongst the mix. The top 3 wines in no particular order 1999 Bartolo Mascarello, 1999 Giacomo Conterno Cascina Francia, and, 2001 Cavallotto ‘Bricco Boschis’ Riserva made from the ‘Vigna San Giuseppe’ parcel within Cavallotto’s Monopole ‘Bricco Boschis’.

At the celebration dinner for one of my Italian wine groups, we hoovered a 2010 Bricco Boschis ‘Vigna San Giuseppe’, again it was at the top of the list with Guiseppe Mascarello, Conterno, and, Giacosa on the table.

That is some serious company to play with.

From the importer: The Bricco Boschis cru produces this Estate’s most emblematic Barolo. This is crafted mostly from two parcels within this single vineyard. Firstly there is the Punta Marcello that lies on the top of the slope, by the cantina. This cool terroir is known for its fragrant, pale juice and long, angular tannins. Then there is the Vigna Colle Sud-Ovest parcel of the Bricco Boschis, lying at a lower elevation and facing south, in the warmest microclimate of the vineyard. The wines from these vines are much fleshier and more accessible when young, with darker, fruit-rich juice and softer tannins. The renowned Vigna San Giuseppe vines also contribute something to the blend. Together these three components form a complete picture of the cru, at once complementing each other and building aromatic and structural complexity into the final blend. Although there is the more premium Vigna San Giuseppe Riserva that comes from this site, it would be a mistake to think of this wine as an entry-level Barolo. Bricco Boschis is a truly profound vineyard and the vines for this cuvée average around 50 years of age! The 2015 spent about 20 days on skins before being aged in Slavonian oak casks of various sizes (all large, between 1,000-10,000 litres) for three and a half years. The 2015 is a superb example.

When you unearth the history of Cavallotto, all the elements are there, great sites, high planting density, balanced healthy vineyards with moderate crops, now farmed organically.

Two additional elements take their wines to the next level, vine age, continuity of farmers with the retention of wisdom it offers! This is, and, has always been a family business, knowledge built on, and, passed from generation to generation.

Common threads run through Cavallotto’s wines, from their Dolcetto, to their Barbera, and, Nebbiolo’s, Langhe, Barolo Bricco Boschis, and, Barolo Riserva from Vigna San Guiseppe and Vigna Vignolo.

They are focused on purity of fruit, without the interference of oak, complexity, and, are one of the best examples off carefully considered élévage on the market. All of this results in wines of great expression and vibrancy.

Cavallotto’s wines clearly sit on the classic, traditional, Barolo side of the ledger.

Cavallotto’s Wine Making

As you’d expect from wines made in a more classical style, there’s longer maceration, time on skins, which often softens tannins, and, layers in complexity, think perfume and truffles. Oak is old and large Botte 2,000-10,000L in volume. Not only do these keep the wine fresher during maturation, but, impart no oak tannins, aroma or flavour. Maturation is longer, than, many in both Botte and then bottle, the very reason you’re just seeing the 2012 Barolo now when many have released 2013’s.

They make such beautiful, expressive wines!

Where in the World do Cavallotto’s wines come from?

Cavallotto is yet another example of knowing your producers, and, their vineyards. In the heart of Castiglione Falletto, Cavallotto holds the monopole (single owner) vineyard Bricco Boschis, only a stones through away from another famed Barolo monopole, Monprivato. Although I don’t like comparing the two, Monprivato, produces some of the most Burgundian, Nebbiolo I’ve ever had.

You can see the Barbera in the light green on the map is planted on the ‘Bricco Boschis’, it’s just going to be good. Just like Vietti’s Langhe Nebbiolo, Cavallotto’s is sourced from vineyards that are effectively declassified Barolo vineyard.

Surrounding the Bricco Boschis, within 500m are the remainder of their holdings. Including the Vigna Vignolo, consistently the source of their Riserva.

All the vines have serious age, with Dolcetto planting near 40 years old, Barbera 55 years, and, Nebbiolo 45 to 55 years old.