Wines Langhe Elio Altare - La villa - 2018

Viniou Reviews

Elio Altare’s “La Villa” 2018 from the prestigious Langhe DOC in Piedmont is a harmonious red blend that reflects the excellence of this renowned producer. This cuvée typically showcases Nebbiolo and Barbera, two emblematic grape varieties of the region. The Nebbiolo brings structure, tannins, and elegant floral aromas, while the Barbera adds juicy acidity and vibrant red fruit character. 2018 was a balanced vintage, favouring wines of freshness and aromatic clarity. The winemaking at Elio Altare, a leading figure in the modernist movement in Barolo, often involves gentle extraction and ageing in French oak barrels, culminating in a polished, approachable style that beautifully integrates fruit, freshness, and subtle spice.

Langhe, in the heart of Piedmont, is world-famous for its rolling hills, foggy mornings, and a patchwork of vineyards that benefit from a continental climate with significant diurnal temperature variation. This terroir, with clay-limestone soils, is particularly well suited to Nebbiolo, Barbera, and other local varieties, allowing for expressive, long-lived wines with remarkable complexity. The region boasts a winegrowing heritage spanning centuries, and its traditions are now complemented by innovative, quality-driven producers such as Elio Altare, whose wines mirror both heritage and modernity.

For food pairings, “La Villa” is ideal alongside classic Piedmontese cuisine such as tajarin pasta with a rich meat ragù or brasato al Barolo, the region’s famous braised beef. Its structure and fruitiness also pair gracefully with game, wild mushroom risotto, hard cheeses like Castelmagno, or even simply grilled lamb cutlets. The freshness and elegance make it versatile enough to accompany tomato-based dishes or roast poultry as well.

To enjoy this wine at its best, serve it slightly below room temperature, ideally between 16-18°C. Decanting for an hour prior to serving will allow the aromas and flavours to open fully, revealing the wine’s nuanced bouquet and supple tannic frame. This is a wine poised for pleasure now or a few more years in the cellar.