Pira’s Barolo Marenca is one of the biggest, most extroverted wines being made today in Piedmont and the 2006 is no exception. It shows a touch more opulence than the Margheria in its intense, dark fruit. Readers will find incredible harmony here, and a finish that lasts forever. Iron, tar, licorice and smoke linger on the powerful finish. This is a marvelous Barolo from Pira, but patience is the key. Anticipated maturity: 2016-2026. Giampaolo Pira’s Barolos are some of the most massive, rich wines readers are likely to come across, but they rarely fail to deliver the goods. Like most producers, Pira has begun to reduce the level of small, new oak barrels in his Barolos, and the results are striking. The Barolo and Barolo Margheria are both aged in cask. The Marenca is aged in medium-size 500-liter barrels, while the Vigna Rionda sees smaller 225-liter French oak barrels. Though soft spoken, Giampaolo Pira is among Piedmont’s most ambitious young growers, as these wines fully attest. A Marc de Grazia Selection, various American importers, including: de Grazia Imports; tel. (417) 732-4200; Michael Skurnik, Syosset, NY; (516) 677-9300, Estate Wines Ltd., San Rafael CA; (415) 492-9411, Giuliana Imports, Boulder CO; (303) 547-6343, Robert Houde Wines, Bensenville IL; (630) 422-1119

The black currant, violet, black cherry and mineral aromas and flavors in this red are seductive. A rich and supple wine, though well-structured, with only hints of the tar and medicinal herb notes of many Barolos. The long aftertaste features fruit and mineral. Best from 2013 through 2032. 833 cases made, 500 cases imported.??–BS??Region: Italy / Piedmont / Barolo Select to Add