This Nebbiolo varietal excels on the hills of the Serralunga d'Alba, in a soil of calcerous marl with a high content of lime and iron, where the snowcapped Alps provide a dramatic backdrop. These hills afford the Nebbiolo a long growing season which is necessary for this particular varietal to achieve full ripeness. However, to endure the damp foggy mornings of the Serralunga in late October, nature has provided the Nebbiolo with a thick tough skin. It is in this skin that resides the tannins that are characteristic of the wine of the Nebbiolo grape. This is the birthplace of the great Barolo, a wine that in Italy for many years was cast in the role of King, and in maintaining its regal bearing was, in the years past, saved in the Italian household for special occasions.

Here in these hills, lies the famed Veglio family estate of Cascina Bruni now owned and operated by the fourth generation of the family, renowned winemaker Giuseppe Veglio and his two sons Fulvio & Cristiano. The Barolo Riserva comes from his select vineyard “Batistot" that in the year 2004, marks its 60 th year. This Barolo Riserva is only made in the best harvest years, since production is limited but produces fruit of the highest quality. The fermentation of the grapes is conducted under controlled temperatures in stainless steel vats and the amount of time in contact with the skins has been shortened to less than a month. This method manages to maintain the size and structure of the wine while showing better harmony of bouquet and flavor. The wine is then aged for 5 years in very old chestnut barrels (the Veglio’s barrels are 100 years old); (to be defined “Riserva”, by law, this wine must be aged for 5 years). Many Barolo’s are traditionally aged in Slavonic oak, however, the Veglio family prefers chestnut not only because it is the type of wood that has the ability to exchange the internal gases with the external air, but also because it has been the tradition for 4 generations of this family to produce their Barolo in this method. After this barrel-aging the wine is bottled and left to rest for a further 6 months before being released. Barolo could never be common, and with the skilled craftsmanship and artistery of Giuseppe and his two sons, Cascina Bruni “Vigna Batistot” truly ranks as KING. This Riserva is a grand specialty, but unfortunately, only for a few, since the production is very limited (less than 2000 bottles per year).

When the wine is young, it will often show ruby or even blackberry color, with age it becomes a medium garnet with a warm brick red rim. It is round and harmonious with a bracingly firm edge. The palate will often detect the taste of violets, wild berries, vanilla, chocolate, mint, licorice and all manner of spices. An exquisite complement to roasted meats, game, poultry, and spicy cheese dishes. Uncork 2 to 3 hours before serving and serve at room temperature.