Fratelli Alessandria Barolo ‘Gramolere’ 2016

Why is this Wine so Yummy?

Vittore Alessandria has a stunning set of 2016s on his hands. The wines are positively brilliant. Harvest for the single vineyards started with San Lorenzo, on October 12 and finished with Gramolere on October 19. Yields were pretty much in line with historical averages. As is the custom here, Alessandria gave the 2016s around 28 days on the skins, which is just a touch bit longer than the norm. Alessandria prefers to gently keep the cap moist and does not do submerged cap fermentation. The malolactic fermentation was done in steel, after which the wines were racked into cask, where they spent around 32 months prior to being bottled.

Antonio Galloni

About Fratelli Alessandria

In the Vineyard

In the Winery

The usual winemaking info is available. The 2 most important elements that shine through for me.

First they use big old wood, no trees to chew through.

Second, the wines look great in the glass. They are beautifully balanced, have wonderful personalities, and, have that freshness with development that is so crucial for any decent drink.

The 2016 Vintage at Fratelli Alessandria

2016 has come at just the right time. We have a number of winemakers with incredible experience and wine wisdom. The vineyards in Barolo are in the best condition they’ve been in with incredible detail going into their care.

Combined we have a situation where vignerons are in the best possible position to make the most of the great fruit yielded by the 2016 harvest!

When you compare the 2015 & 2016 vintages you see the difference between a warmer vintage with a shorter ripening period and a cooler one with the longest ripening period in memory.

Nebbiolo responds beautifully to a cooler longer ripening. Once it reaches sugar level high enough to make a wine around 14-14.5% alcohol the sugar levels stop increasing, it tends to hold its acid and the tannins so important to the insane mouthfeel of Nebbiolo ripen and increase in depth.

Such vintages tend to offer wines with more perfume, energy, and, vitality.

Where in the World is Fratelli Alessandria?

Fratelli Alessandria is based in Verduno, home to its most famous Cru, Monvigliero. The boys have additional holdings in Monforte.