Deep ruby-garnet color; black cherry, raspberry, strawberry, plum, earth, leather, licorice, black tea, thyme, tobacco, oak, vanilla, menthol on the nose and palate.
Dry; firm, puckering tannins; vibrant acidity. Supple texture, tightly wound, intense, very concentrated black and red fruit. Touch of sweetness from ripe fruit and alcohol. Medium body. Can benefit from decanting, lengthy swirling in large glass, or several more years of bottle age. 14.5% ABV
Grapes are 100% organically farmed nebbiolo, all hand picked. Grapes destemmed and pressed, fermented 10 days in temperature-controlled vats. Submerged cap maceration for 8-10 days, followed by malolactic fermentation/conversion. Aged 24 months in traditional 660-gallon Slavonian barrels. Held in bottle for one year before release.
Tenuta Cucco is part of a family operation. The website explains: “Tenuta Cucco became part of Tenimenti Rossi Cairo, the holding company covering the agricultural activities of our family, in 2015. We were attracted by the rows of the Cru Cerrati vineyard that surround the winery, the antique structure of the cellar, the tasting room with a view of mount Monviso and the nearby presence of an extraordinary French stronghold: the Castle of Serralunga d’Alba. Nature and history, intertwining in the Langhe territory, reach a true high point in this context. We immediately realized that Tenuta Cucco could be a new opportunity to continue our project of practicing and promoting high quality sustainable agriculture, which safeguards diversity while preserving the territory for future generations.”
The winery and vineyards have a long history. In 1966, the Cappellan family sold Tenuta Cucco to the Stroppiana family. The Stroppiana family built the first winery, prior to that grapes from the property were sold to other producers. The website notes: “In January 2015 the estate passed to the Rossi Cairo family, which for more than 20 years has run the organic and biodynamic farm La Raia in Novi Ligure.” The Rossi Cairo family brought the same attention to organic and biodynamic grape growing to Comune di Serralunga d’Alba vineyards.
Tenuta Cucco Barolo del Comune di Serralunga d’Alba DOCG 2020 is packed with rich, intense fruit flavors. Good balance of firm tannins and acidity auger well for a decade or two of further aging, but with decanting or extra time in glass can be enjoyed now if you appreciate assertive wine. Barolo never is a young wine pop-and-pour play. Pair with braised meats, beef or veal; rich beef cuts in general—ribeye, flank steak, T-bone. Grilled or roasted lamb. Wild game—venison, boar, wild turkey. Sausage, tagliatelle with sausage ragù, barbecued pork. Wild mushroom polenta, traditional Piedmontese dishes—brasato al Barolo, vitello alla Piemontese (what grows together goes together). Cheese—aged hard cheeses: parmigiano reggiano, aged pecorino, aged cheddar. Gorgonzola, castelmagno; tontina, boshetto al tartufo. Piedmont cheeses—toma, bra duro. $64-67
