The 2010 Langhe La Villa represents a blend of Barbera and Nebbiolo (40 percent). Each variety is its own voice that shines bright in this classic vintage. You feel the soft fruitiness and acidity of the Barbera grape beautifully contrasted against the tannic firmness of Nebbiolo. Blackberry, licorice, dried mint and tobacco are put on full display. Anticipated maturity: 2015-2025. Elio Altare is never a man to mince words. He tells the rags-to-riches story of Barolo with conviction, passion and firsthand knowledge. La Morra went from having a handful of farmers (five or six) back in the early 1970s to dozens of estates today. Back then, grape growers were considered so low in social rank, many could not find local women to marry. They imported wives from poorer regions of southern Italy, like Calabria and Basilicata, to live in the Langhe. “C’era la fame qui,” he says. (“We were starving.”) From his panoramic porch overlooking the Frazione Annunziata section of La Morra, he sighs, “Just look at us now.” He tells the story of his first trip to France: “It blew my mind that producers in Burgundy were buying Porsches and yachts with just a few hectares of vine while we were dirt poor.” Highly influenced by that trip (his use of French barrique for aging Nebbiolo is a prime example), Altare returned to Italy and vowed to shake things up. He most certainly did. Various American importers, including: Michael Skurnik Wines, Syosset, NY; tel. (516) 677-9300; Estate Wines, San Rafael, CA; tel. (415) 492-9411

Spicy aromas of new oak greet the nose, while cherry, leather and tar flavors grace the palate. Broad and muscular, with sharp tannins on the finish. Barbera and Nebbiolo. Drink now through 2017. 416 cases made.??–BS??Region: Italy / Piedmont / Langhe Select to Add