Barolo Paiagallo 2015 DOCG - Giovanni Canonica

Barolo Paiagallo 2015 – Giovanni Canonica

Giovanni Canonica is one of the most reclusive and sought-after small growers in the Langhe. He began making wine in 1983, selling it in bulk, and only started bottling in the 1990s; production is tiny and much of it goes to Japan, where his wines have a cult following.

Paiagallo is the family's historic vineyard, on the hill above the village of Barolo, at 350-400 metres on calcareous marl and clay. Canonica is the only producer to bottle it on its own. Everything in the cellar is artisanal: foot treading, native yeasts, long macerations without temperature control, ageing in large Slavonian oak casks, no fining or filtration.

2015, a warm and sunny vintage, produced a generous Barolo with the finesse typical of the Barolo side of the zone: cherry, raspberry, violet, liquorice and forest floor, fine tannins and a long finish. A true niche wine, one to hunt for rather than stumble upon. With braised beef, agnolotti with roast jus or aged cheeses.

At a glance: Nebbiolo 100% · 15% ABV · 0.75 l · Giovanni Canonica, Barolo (CN)