Tasting Notes

• “The 2016 Barolo Ravera bursts onto the palate with blue fruits, dark cherries, mint, licorice and spices. It shows gorgeous fleshiness and depth, with energetic, deep layers and tense complexity that flows easily into the long, evocative finish. The aromas and flavors blend together minute after minute, as the wine sits in the glass. A perfect vintage that became a perfect wine.” — Valter Fissore, Winemaker

• Ravera is the name of the cru where the vineyard is located. This vineyard encircles the cellar, it is essentially the hillside vineyard surrounding the farm — the great, classic cru of Novello.
• Vineyard Profile

• • Grape Source: 100% estate vineyards located on the top of the hill; Novello village; Ravera area
  • Cultivation: Vertical trellising, Guyot pruning, 100% organic (not yet certified)
  • Size: 5 hectares (12.35 acres)
  • Vine Age: Planted 1961 and 1970
  • Soil: Limestone and clay, with presence of sand
  • Elevation: 380 meters (1,246 feet) above sea level
  • Exposure: South and southwest
  • Density: 4,000 vines/hectare (1,619 vines/acre)

• Vintage Report

  • The 2016 vintage was certainly one of the longest-lasting in recent years. After mild temperatures in January and February, we had a temperature drop in March accompanied by plenty of rain. The “late” temperature drop slowed down the vegetative cycle. Spring began with a considerable amount of rain with average temperatures. This vegetative delay continued until the end of the summer, which also began slowly but extended until the end of September. The picking of the Nebbiolo followed the classic order: first Barbaresco and Nebbiolo d’Alba, then Barolo. Full ripening was achieved in all cases with no technological or phenological problems. The late development seen in the early part of the year was made up for during the months of August and September. In particular, the second half of September was crucial for the components that determine the structure of the wines, especially the accumulation of phenolic substances.

• Vinification

  • 100% in stainless steel, temperature-controlled, with automatic pump overs, post-fermentation maceration for 30 days with submerged cap; 100% indigenous yeast.
  • Aging: 24 months in large (25-30hl) Slavonian oak barrels, followed by 6 months in bottle

• Technical Information

  • Varietal Composition: 100% Nebbiolo da Barolo, Lampia and Michet (sub-varieties of Nebbiolo)
  • Production (in cases): 2,833 (6/750ml)
  • Cases Imported: 800 (6/750)
  • Alcohol: 14.50%
  • TA: 5.77 g/L
  • p H: 3.5
  • RS: 1.0 g/L

Reviews

Elvio Cogno Barolo Ravera DOCG — 2016 – James Suckling – 95 Points

Elvio Cogno Ravera Barolo DOCG – 2016 –

Wine Spectator – 97 Points

A compact, dense red, both in terms of fruit and tannins. Cherry, strawberry, iron, tobacco and tar flavors hold court while the vivid acidity and beefy tannins lend structure. Terrific length. Everything is in the right place; this just needs time to harmonize. Best from 2023 through 2045. From Italy.

Bruce Sanderson, September 2020

• Elvio Cogno Ravera Barolo DOCG — 2016 –

  The Wine Advocate – 97+ Points

  Of the many great contributions made by the winemaking team at Elvio Cogno, perhaps the greatest is the importance they brought to the Ravera cru of Novello. Little-known before their efforts, this vineyard has risen in high regard in recent years and continues to show impressive potential. The 2016 Barolo Ravera offers an important education in why this site deserves the spotlight. The wine shows terrific balance and depth, with rich fruit aromas framed by smoke, tar, ferrous earth and tangy licorice. The tannins are softly contoured, and the wine moves over the palate with profound length...Monica Larner, July 2020

Elvio Cogno Ravera Barolo DOCG – 2016 –

Wine Enthusiast – 99 Points

From the estate that proved the extraordinary quality of the Ravera subzone, this compelling wine opens with heady scents of rose, iris, perfumed berry, new leather and camphor. Focused and full bodied, the precise palate is delicious and firmly structured, featuring ripe red cherry, crushed raspberry, licorice and tobacco framed in tightly knit fine-grained tannins. Fresh acidity keeps it beautifully balanced and lends youthful tension. Drink 2024–2056.

Kerin O'Keefe, September 2020