2014 Barolo Otin Fiorin Pie Franco - Michet
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Tasting notes
The 2014 Barolo Piè Franco is an anomaly. Poor weather hammered yields in this already challenged parcel within Cappellano's Gabutti vineyard. Yields were down a punishing 50%. Because of practical considerations related to small volume of wine, the 2014 spent less time in oak than normal. Over time, the 2014 has gained a measure of inner sweetness and depth it did not show in barrel, which is a very good thing. Kirsch, orange peel, cedar, mint, wild flowers and spice notes give the 2014 a decidedly exotic feel. Readers should expect an especially gracious, airy Barolo Piè Franco in 2014.
More reviews and scores
Cappellano's 2014 Barolo Piè Franco is a bit ethereal in the early going, as it often is. Over the last year, it has really come together nicely. Even so, the 2014 is a bit of a stylistic outlier because of the personality of the year and some of the choices Augusto Cappellano made in the cellar. Yields were down a whopping 60%, so the 2014 was aged in a smaller cask than normal, and spent less time overall in oak but more in steel. The expressive aromatics and textural silkiness that make the Piè Franco so compelling are present, but in miniature. I can't wait to see how it ages.
About the producer
Serralunga d’Alba’s Cappellano is one of Barolo’s most legendary producers, producing ultra-traditional styles of Nebbiolo. Made famous by Teobaldo and now in the hands of his son Augusto, the estate is best known for its Barolo Piè Franco, a wine from ungrafted vines in the Gabutti Cru.