Olek Bondonio Barbaresco ‘Roncagliette’ 2017

Why is this Wine so Yummy?

About Olek Bondonio

Olek Bondonio is certainly not your typical Italian winemaker. He loves surfing, snowboarding and has a penchant bordering on the obsessive for Vegemite. After studying oenology he embarked on a few years of travel where he traversed the globe doing as many vintages as he could. This exposure to different soil types, various traditions and diverse approaches in both the cellar and vineyard resulted in his fascination with a sense of place and a drive to best express that through his wines. His production epitomizes the saying that great wine is made in the vineyard, where he works tirelessly to grow healthy fruit without synthetic additions or chemical input. He continues to cultivate grapes that have long been planted in that zone such as Barbera, Pelaverga, Dolcetto and Nebbiolo.

Even if Olek is making wines under his own label since 2004, his farm, La Berchialla, has been in the family for over 200 years and is a remarkable property sitting atop the hill of Cru Roncagliette (which incidentally is the same vineyard of Gaja Sori Tildin).

The 2017 Barbaresco Vintage

Where the 2016 vintage was a walk in the park. 2017 was a major challenge with hail, frost and heat giving growers the ultimate challenge in the vineyard. As always those on their game have come through and optimised in this challenging year.

Olek’s Roncaglietti site missed the hail, Starderi was unfortunately hit hard. Despite the heat the vines of Roncaglietti managed to push through the challenging conditions. Health soils with reasonable water reserves the saviour.

Tasting these wines will be the ultimate test. We’ve had a great indicator from the 2017 Langhe Nebbiolos and friends that have come through the system already. Makers that have got it right gave us pretty wines with early generiosity, maintaining freshness. From all account Olek has managed the same.

Where in the World is Olek Bondonio?

Head south along west border of the region and you’ll find Roncaglietti named Sori Tildin by Gaja. In the center north in the commune of Nieve you’ll find Straderi.