Luigi Einaudi 2018 Barolos

After the traumatic 2017 vintage, producers and we at Noble Grape, are much more enthusiastic about the 2018s, especially regarding the classic Nebbiolo perfumes this vintage has produced. The early growing season was complicated by periods of cool weather and rain, but the warm summer temperatures mitigated their negative effects. The rains stopped on 15th of June: not one more drop fell until the beginning of September. Although this drought was protracted, there was an absence of heat spikes that were prevalent in 2017. The cool nights ensured that the vines never really shut down, nor showed signs of hydric stress.

The vines have been generous this year with a reported 35% increase in production over the drought-affected 2017, with berries being slightly larger than average too. Vineyard managers had to work hard this year to maintain healthy, balanced vines but most are confident they managed to produce an excellent vintage in a fresher style. Time will tell if this will eventually become a great vintage, but the early signals are good.

We are very pleased with the new releases from Poderi Luigi Einaudi. Our old favourite Vigna Costa Grimaldi is back again this year. The 2018 is perfumed, elegant, supported with layers of structure under the ample fruit. What is most exciting this year is the release of the debut vintage of their new vineyard, Monvigliero. This is a MGA situated in the commune of Verduno, made famous by the outstanding producer, G.B. Burlotto. Einaudi has acquired a small parcel here. The style here is for elegance: certainly this is one of the region's most renowned vineyards for wines of delicacy and complexity.