Elio Sandri Barolo DOCG (2015) – Piemonte

A sunny year, a big wine, and one that rewards the people who wait. The 2015 is the kind of bottle you open and sit with for an evening, because it changes in the glass for hours. It starts tight, with firm tannins, and slowly gives up tobacco, cedar and mint. Bring patience and a very good piece of beef. THE GRAPE 100% Nebbiolo from Sandri’s vineyards in Monforte d’Alba, on cool northeast-facing slopes. A warm, sunny growing season in 2015 gave riper fruit than usual, while the hill’s altitude kept the freshness. THE WINE Dried cherry, cedar, tobacco, mint and leather, with orange peel, sandalwood and a touch of blue flowers underneath. The structure is firm and iron-edged, with high acidity and plenty of tannin that settles with air. A classic, traditional Barolo that is still young and has years in front of it. FOOD PAIRING Braised beef in Barolo, roast lamb, truffle pasta, strong cheeses such as Castelmagno. Decant for a couple of hours and serve at 16–18°C.