Recently, I pulled from the Villa’s cellar a bottle of La Villa 2012 by Elio Altare — simply because I was in the mood for something with character, yet finesse.
Altare remains, to me, one of those winemakers who lifted Barolo to a higher level — modern in his approach, yet deeply respectful of tradition.
The wine opens with a captivating bouquet of ripe cherries, dried roses, a hint of balsamic, and subtle undertones of cocoa and tar. With some time in the glass, a warm spiciness emerges, beautifully woven into the whole. On the palate, it’s supple and layered, with a fine freshness that keeps it vibrant. The tannins are silky and fully integrated — 2012 shows itself here in its most harmonious form.
When it comes to food, I immediately think of classic Piedmontese cuisine: tajarin with truffle, brasato, or a fine piece of roast beef or veal. It also pairs wonderfully with aged cheeses or mushroom dishes.
The wine is now at a perfect drinking moment — open, rounded, and balanced — yet it still has three to five years of life ahead, for those who enjoy more tertiary evolution.
A bottle that perfectly illustrates how Altare unites elegance and depth — and above all, a wine to be enjoyed with true pleasure.
Dreaming of tasting older vintages and special cuvées?
Join our exclusive Cantina Aperta evenings: we serve the menu, and you curate your own wine experience from our cellar collection.
A presto, Salute!
The wine opens with a captivating bouquet of ripe cherries, dried roses, a hint of balsamic, and subtle undertones of cocoa and tar. With some time in the glass, a warm spiciness emerges, beautifully woven into the whole. On the palate, it’s supple and layered, with a fine freshness that keeps it vibrant. The tannins are silky and fully integrated — 2012 shows itself here in its most harmonious form.
When it comes to food, I immediately think of classic Piedmontese cuisine: tajarin with truffle, brasato, or a fine piece of roast beef or veal. It also pairs wonderfully with aged cheeses or mushroom dishes.
The wine is now at a perfect drinking moment — open, rounded, and balanced — yet it still has three to five years of life ahead, for those who enjoy more tertiary evolution.
A bottle that perfectly illustrates how Altare unites elegance and depth — and above all, a wine to be enjoyed with true pleasure.
Dreaming of tasting older vintages and special cuvées?
Join our exclusive Cantina Aperta evenings: we serve the menu, and you curate your own wine experience from our cellar collection.
A presto, Salute!