Wines Barolo Fratelli Revello - L’Insieme – Langhe Rosso - 2016

Viniou Reviews

The 2016 Cuvée L’Insieme Langhe Rosso from Fratelli Revello is a striking example of modern Piemonte craftsmanship. As a blend, the cuvée balances Nebbiolo, Barbera, Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot, drawing upon both native and international grape varieties to offer complexity and harmony. The 2016 vintage, celebrated for its refined maturity and expressive character, benefits from a growing season marked by favourable weather, allowing for gradual ripening of the grapes. The winemaking at Fratelli Revello is meticulous: fermentation typically takes place in temperature-controlled stainless steel, with careful extraction to preserve elegance, followed by ageing in a mix of French oak barrels. This fusion grants the wine a robust structure and fine tannins, with layers of ripe black cherry, wild berry, violets, tobacco leaf, and a subtle touch of spice and cedar.

The Langhe region sits in the heart of Piemonte, renowned for its rolling hills and patchwork vineyards. The terroir is shaped by calcareous clay soils, which bring both power and finesse to the wines. The continental climate, characterised by warm days and cool nights, is ideal for slow, balanced grape maturation, resulting in wines with vibrant acidity and longevity. With a winemaking tradition stretching back centuries, Piemonte is most famous for its regal Barolo and Barbaresco, yet the Langhe DOC allows for greater experimentation, underpinning innovative blends like L’Insieme that reflect both tradition and a modern sensibility.

This Langhe Rosso’s ripe fruit and gentle spice makes it a versatile companion at the table. It shines with braised meats such as brasato al Barolo (slow-cooked beef in red wine), classic ragù, grilled lamb chops, or roasted duck with cherries. Regional cheeses such as Castelmagno or aged Toma also play beautifully off the wine’s depth and savoury undertones. For a vegetarian option, try truffle-infused risotto or mushroom polenta, which accentuate the earthiness of its Nebbiolo core.

For optimal enjoyment, serve at 16-18°C. Decanting for forty-five minutes to an hour will help open up the wine’s impressive aromatics and softened tannins. This is a wine to savour with fine food and good company, promising development over the next 5-7 years if cellared with care.