Cocito "Baluchin" Barbaresco Riserva DOCG 2015
(Piedmont, Italy) - [VM 93]

About the Winery:
Ezio Cocito (pronounced Co-chee-toe) comes from a family of farmers. When he purchased the Baluchin vineyard in Neive in 2000, he turned to Giorgio Rivetti for help crafting a small production Barbaresco from his family Estate. Giorgio and Ezio have been longtime friends; they share a passion for wine and a love of horses. Giorgio, who makes three award-winning single vineyard Barbareschi, was the ideal consultant for Ezio’s new project.

About the Wine:

This Barbaresco Riserva is crafted from Nebbiolo grapes planted in the calcareous clay/sandy soil of the miniscule Bric Micca Cru, the highest point (1,200-1,300 feet above sea level) of the Baluchin vineyard in Neive. Baluchin means “star” in the Piedmontese dialect, and refers to the vineyard’s ideal position for star gazing on clear night. This is an extremely precise and focused expression of Nebbiolo, with razor sharp, elegant aromas of blue violets, flint and ash. The high altitude, and thus cooler temperatures, of the vineyard result in a particularly pretty and graceful wine that opens quite beautifully at even a young age. A close friend of Giorgio Rivetti, vitner Ezio Cocito vinifies his Baluchin at La Spinetta’s cellar in Castagnole Lanze.

• 100% Nebbiolo planted to calcareous clay and sandy soils
• 365 – 396 meters above sea level within the Bric Micca cru in Neive
• “Baluchin” translates to “star” in Piedmontese, as one can see the stars from this vineyard that sits at the highest position within the cru
• Fermentation for 7-8 days under temperature control
• Malolactic fermentation occurs in oak
• Aged in medium-toasted, small French oak barrels (30% new) for 20-22 months
• No fining or filtering
• 400 cases produced annually on average
• First vintage produced in 2000
  

Ratings & Reviews

93 Points - Vinous:
The 2015 Barbaresco Riserva Baluchin is a powerful, dense wine. Black fruit, tobacco, cedar, menthol, chocolate and licorice all run through this brooding, somber Barbaresco. I wonder if a more nuanced style is possible here. (Drink between 2023-2030)