Luigi Pira Barolo 'Marenca' 2019

Description

"These are some of the very best wines I have tasted from Giampaolo Pira. What an exciting range this is. Pira's straight Barolo has long been terrific, as it is once again this year. The vineyard-designated wines show plenty of the power that has long been a signature here but with a touch more classicism" Antonio Galloni, Vinous on the 2019 releases.

Luigi Pira has been growing grapes and making wine in Serralunga since the 1950s, the Barolo village most notable for its intense perfume and structure. With several crus in the village, the Piras have fantastic parcels in the Marenca and Margheria vineyards (totalling 1 hectare), as well as the legendary cru Vignarionda - widely considered the best site in Serralunga and one that defines the soul of Barolo. The winemaking is traditional, a modest vatting of 12-15 days on skins followed by 24 months of ageing in bottle. 

The Marenca cru extends over 2 hectares. It is located in Serralunga d'Alba with a western exposure in a calcareous-clayish soil. Vines were replanted in 1990 and produce grapes that give a powerful Barolo with typical tannic richness. Marenca sits to the east of Margheria and is a true southerly exposure and a genuine amphitheatre. It's a virtual monopoly for Pira (Gaja owns the other section of the vineyard but blends it away), and the site is one of the best in Serralunga producing wines with deep and impressive flavours and structures.

96 Points. The 2019 Barolo Marenca is superb. Rich, ample and explosive, with tremendous depth, the 2019 has so much to offer. A rush of dark red-toned fruit, lavender, spice, iron and dried flowers saturates the palate. Bright acids and firm Serralunga tannins wrap it all together. The 2019 is exceptional. Antonio Galloni, Vinous