You don't see too many wines from the Marenca cru in Serralunga d'Alba, and in fact, looking through the Wine Advocate database, I only see past vintages from this single producer, Luigi Pira. The 2016 Barolo Marenca offers an accessible and open-knit personality with bold, dark fruit and distinctive mineral tones that range from crushed stone to rusty metal. The Marenca aging regime sees a combination of neutral French tonneaux and Slavonian botte grande, and that wood has served mostly to enhance balance and integration. Some 9,000 bottles were produced.

A distinctive minty accent enhances cherry, floral and white pepper flavors. It firms up, with a dry feel to the finish, where iron and tobacco notes emerge. Best from 2023 through 2040. 600 cases made, 200 cases imported.??–BS??Region: Italy / Piedmont / Barolo Select to Add