The historic village of La Morra is one of my favorites in Barolo. Here Nebbiolo has a more elegant and expansive expression than Serralunga or Castiglione Falletto. This is likely due to the predominance of blue marl soils as well as hints of limestone, as opposed to the compact clays that dominate most of Barolo. The particular micro-climates play a role too. But whatever it is, it is certain that the perfume and texture of La Morra is wonderfully distinct.
In this village one of the most accomplished and old school producers has to be Marcarini. This estate has roots that go back several centuries and they have been producing wine since 1850. The family was also one of the first to begin designating their cru vineyards on their label, as they have been bottling their two most famous vineyards, La Serra and Brunate, separately for decades.
In 1990 Manuel Marchetti and his late wife Elisa (whose great-great-great grandfather first founded the Marcarini label) became the proprietors. They changed very little, holding steadfast to the traditions of the family. Manual is one of the more thoughtful and interesting people in Barolo, and he is a good friend. His adherence to the “old-school” style is purposeful but not dogmatic.
Professional Reviews
Burghound
BH
93
"This sample displayed heavy oak and was largely "un-Jadot-like" in style, which again makes me wonder about how the cask sample was pulled. The full-bodied flavors however are round, supple, sweet and wonderfully intense with obvious minerality and a long, pure and beautifully balanced finish. The overall impression, aside from the wood, is one of power and grace and my score offers the benefit of the doubt with respect to the oak influence."
Robert Parker
RP
95
"The exceptional 2002 Latricieres-Chambertin bursts with tarragon, red cherry, raspberry, and iris aromas. Medium to full-bodied, powerful, and mouth-coating, it is gorgeously ripe, lush, and intense. Strikingly, this wine tasted like a bottled wine, more evolved and complete than any other in the tasting (Lardiere explained that it was the first to have completed its malo-lactic fermentation and was therefore ready for bottling before the others). Sweet red cherries, candied raspberries, earth, roasting spices, and cinnamon can be discerned in its complex character. In addition, its long, fruit-filled finish reveals copious exquisitely ripened tannin."
Details
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Grape Variety
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Vintage
2004
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Size
750ml
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Farming Practice
Sustainable
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Style
Minerally