Cordero di Montezemolo - Barolo Vigna Enrico VI 1980

Cordero di Montezemolo – Barolo Vigna Enrico VI 1980

1. Overview

2. The 1980 vintage

The 1980 vintage was not an easy year for Piedmont. Compared to the legendary vintages of 1978 or 1982 , 1980 is regarded as an average to good vintage, though it did produce wines that impress with their structure and elegance.

The climatic conditions were not ideal throughout, yet renowned producers such as Cordero di Montezemolo managed to produce wines of remarkable quality. The Barolo Vigna Enrico VI 1980 received a score of 91 points from Wine Spectator – a remarkable score that underlines the quality of this vintage.

3. The Winery: Cordero di Montezemolo

The Cordero di Montezemoloestate is based in La Morra, in the heart of the Barolo appellation, and is one of the region’smost renowned and respected estates. The family’s roots date back to 3 April 1340 – a tradition spanning almost 700 years.

The estate comprises 56 hectares of vineyards and has been organically farmed since 2013 . The vineyards are situated at high altitude and consist of limestone marl, magnesium and manganese in the north-west, and iron-rich soils in the south-east.

Today, the estate is runby Giovanni Cordero di Montezemolo, the second generation of the family, supported by his son Alberto, who was born in 1981.

4. The vineyard: Vigna Enrico VI / Cru Villero

The Vigna Enrico VIwine comes from the Cru Villero in the municipality of Castiglione-Falletto. This terroir is renowned for the mineral and balsamic characteristics of the Nebbiolo.

The name ‘Enrico VI’ pays homage to the Faletti family,who were in line to the throne, from whom Paolo Cordero di Montezemolo inherited the estate in the 1940s as the rightful heir.

5. Vinification and ageing

The Barolo Vigna Enrico VI follows the estate’sclassic style:

• Traditional fermentation with maceration

• Ageing in large oak casks (not in small barriques)

• The wine was bottled late– typical of the era – which, in classic Barolos of that period , can result in a character that is slightly less fruity but richer in tannins

6. Description and Aromas

The Cordero di Montezemolo Barolo Vigna Enrico VI 1980 is described as a Barolo of the highest calibre – austere and complex.

Colour

Deep red-garnet

Bouquet

The delicately spicy bouquet reveals notes of:

• Eucalyptus

• Liquorice

• Menthol

• Ripe fruit (liqueur-soaked cherries, blackberries, plums)

• Violets

• Medicinal herbs

Alternative descriptions also mention vanilla, tobacco and smoky notes as well as black cherries, redcurrants, leather, spices and tar.

On the palate

Full-bodied and structured, with a light acidity and lively freshness. The tannins are still clearly noticeable in this traditionally aged Barolo . The finish is long-lasting.

7. Condition and availability

For auction bottles , the fill levelis usually stated as ‘4.5 cm’ (i.e. 4.5 cm below the cork), which is considered acceptable for a wine of this age . The labels may showslight signs of wear.

Due to the wine’s age, sedimentis to be expected – decanting is recommended.

8. Conclusion

The Cordero di Montezemolo Barolo Vigna Enrico VI 1980 is a classic, traditional Barolo from a solid vintage. With its austere complexity, spicy-balsamic aromas and structured tannin profile, it embodies the style of one of Piedmont’s most renowned estates. The 91 points awarded by Wine Spectator underscore its quality – a wine for connoisseurs and collectors that bears the hallmark of an almost 700-year-old family tradition.