Poderi Luigi Einaudi 2018 Barolo Terlo Vigna Costa Grimaldi 750ml

Costa Grimaldi is a genuinely historic single vineyard at Terlo, in the Barolo commune, first purchased and planted by Luigi Einaudi himself in 1958 — Einaudi, who had already begun making wine back in 1897 after buying his first farmstead in San Giacomo, Dogliani, went on to become the first democratically elected President of the Italian Republic in 1948. The estate he founded has grown exponentially since, now spanning 160 hectares with more than 60 under vine, and remains family-run today under great-grandson Matteo Sardagna, working alongside enologist Beppe Caviola. The vineyard itself spans nearly five hectares, though only about three are dedicated to this specific wine, planted entirely to the Michet clone of Nebbiolo on calcareous marl soil at 310 meters elevation, with southeast exposure, situated in the hills between Barolo and the road leading to Novello and La Morra. Production follows a genuinely patient, traditional path: temperature-controlled fermentation in steel and concrete tanks (30-32°C), 22 to 25 days of post-fermentation maceration, induced malolactic fermentation, and 30 months of aging in 5,000-liter French oak barrels, followed by nine further months in bottle before release. The critical reception has been genuinely strong. James Suckling awarded 93 Points. Wine Spectator and Falstaff each scored the wine 92 Points. Poderi Einaudi's own official notes describe the wine as "garnet red with a shade of amber, of intense and embracing fragrance, full bodied but smooth tannic taste, with a long spiced final taste," concluding "with time it acquires complexity as the ethereal aromas of spices, truffles and leather" develop, with "tannic characteristics" guaranteeing "a long life in bottle." Empson & Co.'s tasting confirms "balanced yet pronounced tannins that denote great structure and longevity," with "heightened aromas" and a "full-bodied, austere and velvety" palate, closing with "long finish of goudron and spice." This is genuinely serious, age-worthy Barolo from one of Piedmont's most historically significant estates. Origins & Craftsmanship Poderi Luigi Einaudi Barolo Terlo Vigna Costa Grimaldi 2018 is produced by Poderi Einaudi, founded by Luigi Einaudi, later the first democratically elected President of the Italian Republic (1948), who began making wine in 1897. The estate is now family-run under great-grandson Matteo Sardagna, working with enologist Beppe Caviola. The wine is made entirely from Nebbiolo (Michet clone), sourced from the Costa Grimaldi vineyard at Terlo, first purchased and planted by Luigi Einaudi in 1958, spanning nearly five hectares on calcareous marl soil at 310 meters elevation with southeast exposure. Fermentation takes place in temperature-controlled steel and concrete tanks (30-32°C), with 22 to 25 days of post-fermentation maceration, followed by induced malolactic fermentation. The wine ages 30 months in 5,000-liter French oak barrels, plus nine months further in bottle. Annual production is limited to a few thousand bottles. Bottled at 14.5% ABV. Critics Reviews James Suckling — 93 Points: Very enticing, almost incense-like nose, featuring ripe red berries, cranberries, roses and a blend of roasting spices. Medium-to full-bodied with a silky front-palate, then a light build of firm tannin. This shows good heart and soul and will even out into a very good wine. Give it time. Wine Spectator — 92 Points Falstaff — 92 Points Vinous 92 Points: The 2018 Barolo Terlo Vigna Costa Grimaldi shows the wilder side of Nebbiolo in its virile, potent personality. The flavors are dark and mysterious. Dark cherry, dried flowers, lavender, asphalt, spice and scorched earth develop, adding to the wine's decidedly somber personality. The Terlo is an intriguing wine that has a ton to offer. Poderi Einaudi (official tasting note): "A great wine of the Langa, garnet red with a shade of amber, of intense and embracing fragrance, full bodied but smooth tannic taste, with a long spiced final taste. With time it acquires complexity as the ethereal aromas of spices, truffles and leather. The tannic characteristics guarantee a long life in bottle." Empson & Co. (extended importer tasting note): "Balanced yet pronounced tannins that denote great structure and longevity; heightened aromas; full-bodied, austere and velvety on the palate, with long finish of goudron and spice." Tasting Profile Nose Intense garnet-red with developing amber tones. Violet, red berries, and rose lead, joined by spice and earthy nuances. Palate Full-bodied yet polished, with refined tannins and vibrant acidity carrying layers of red fruit, licorice, and spice, alongside genuine mineral character. Finish Long and spiced, closing with goudron (tar), developing further complexity with age — truffle, leather, and dried spice. Quick Overview Category Details Appellation Barolo DOCG, Piedmont, Italy Variety 100% Nebbiolo (Michet clone) Vintage 2018 Producer Poderi Luigi Einaudi Founded 1897 (winemaking); estate founder later President of Italy Vineyard Costa Grimaldi, Terlo — planted 1958 Soils Calcareous marl, 310m elevation, southeast exposure Aging 30 months, 5,000L French oak, plus 9 months bottle ABV 14.5% Critics James Suckling 93 · Wine Spectator 92 · Falstaff 92 Style / Identity A refined, age-worthy single-vineyard Barolo — genuine historical significance and real cellaring potential Aromas & Flavors Violet, red berries, rose, licorice, truffle, leather Bottle Size 750ml Food Pairings Game and hearty winter fare Grilled beef Truffle-based dishes Aged, hard cheeses