Score: 92/100
Azienda Agricola Marziano Abbona is a famous wine producer of the Langhe region located around the town of Dogliani.
They produce a wide range of wines, from the Dolcetto signature grape of the Dogliani village, through Barbera d’Alba, Nebbiolo d’Alba, and more importantly prestigious single vineyard Barolos including the Pressenda tasted here.
Pressenda is a spectacular vineyard overlooking the Castle of Serralunga d’Alba, located in the Barolo cru of Castelletto of Monforte d’Alba.
Being a Barolo DCOG wine, this is obviously made from 100% Nebbiolo grapes, from vines averaging 42 years of age.
After fermentation in stainless steel tanks, the wine is aged in 500-liter wine barrels for the first 12 months, then transferred to oak vats of 50 hectoliters for the next 24 months, at the end of which comes the blending then the bottling.
So how good is 2011 Abbona Barolo Pressenda ?
Tasting Notes
The wine comes in a dark red color, not very dense but bright, with orange hues showing a bit of evolution.
The nose strikes by its aromatic intensity: leather, white pepper, nutmeg, and cherry liqueur jump out of the glass!
Dig deeper, swirl the glass, and you’ll find more spices (e.g. clove), more fruit (e.g. plum, all in the very-ripe spectrum), and more importantly the typical Nebbiolo tar character one expects and enjoys to find here.
A charming intense nose one likes to get back to, analyze, analyze again, and enjoy taking time to deconstruct more importantly!
From there, the palate doesn’t disappoint.
The intensity and intent felt on the nose are revealed, bursting into flavors in your mouth. A lot going on: meaty, spicy, fruity, a touch oaky. It’s all in there finishing with many layers one tastes for a long time after tasting. All good sign of refinement, concentration and quality.
Texture-wise, it’s not very dense or tannic, but has solid body.
Tannins are granulous rather than concentrated. They just surround the body without interfering with it, and provide a savory grip to the finish. The wine shows its character and personality.
Overall
A very good Barolo full of personality and spicy/fruity expression, not very densely structure but with all the power and complexity you expect from the DOCG.
Wine & Food Pairings
It will be most-enjoyed with tasty food dishes like grilled meats, Italian-style stews, and Italian cheese.
See some more detailed suggestions with our Infographic about Italian Wine & Cheese Pairing
Please let me know your thoughts