Wines Barolo Giovanni Corino - Vigna Giachini - 2018

The 2018 Barolo DOC “Vigna Giachini” from Giovanni Corino is a striking expression of Nebbiolo, Piémont’s iconic grape variety. This cuvée hails from the esteemed Giachini vineyard, renowned for its sandy and calcareous soils that give the wine both elegance and structure. The 2018 vintage saw a balanced growing season, allowing for slow ripening and an excellent phenolic maturity. The winemaking at Giovanni Corino focuses on a delicate extraction, with fermentation in stainless steel, followed by maturation in large oak barrels, resulting in a wine that preserves the purity and finesse of Nebbiolo while rounding out its formidable tannins.

Barolo is arguably Piémont’s most prestigious region, located in the rolling hills southwest of Alba. The area benefits from a continental climate, with cold winters and warm, sunny summers tempered by frequent mists. Soils here are varied, but the Giachini vineyard’s mix of sand and limestone lends itself to particularly aromatic, supple, and refined Barolos. The history of Barolo stretches back centuries, but it is in recent decades that the appellation has firmly established itself as a benchmark for world-class, ageworthy red wines.

Pairing this Barolo is a delight: its complex bouquet of rose, violets, tar, and cherry, along with its firm yet integrated tannins, make it a wonderful companion for rich, flavourful dishes. Traditional Piedmontese cuisine is ideal: try it alongside brasato al Barolo (beef braised in Barolo), wild mushroom risotto, or tajarin pasta with truffle. Aged cheeses, such as Castelmagno or Parmigiano Reggiano, also highlight its depth and aromatic complexity. For a broader reach, roast lamb or duck with a cherry reduction would complement the wine’s fruit and structure beautifully.

For optimal enjoyment, decant the Barolo Vigna Giachini 2018 for at least an hour prior to serving to allow its aromas to unfurl. Serve it at 16-18°C to fully appreciate its layered bouquet and the finesse of its tannic backbone. With careful cellaring, expect this wine to evolve gracefully over the next decade or more.