Pecchenino "Le Coste" Barolo DOCG 2017
(Piedmont, Italy) - [JS 96] [VM 92] [WS 92] [WA 91]

Notes from the WInemaker:
The Pecchenino wine estate dates back to the end of the 1700's and has always been a family-run operation, with the holding handed down from father to son for generations.

Records from the early 1900's show that the farm, owned and run by Attilio, the current generation's grandfather, originally consisted of just a little over 8 hectares. Since the beginning of the 1970's, when it passed into the capable hands of his son Marino and then in 1987 to grandsons Orlando and Attilio, new land and vineyards have been acquired and it now number 25 hectares, of which 22 are located in the Commune of Dogliani and 3 in Monforte d'Alba.

The area of Dogliani is especially suited to the cultivation of the Dolcetto grape, whose presence here is documented in a manuscript from 1432, discovered in the municipal archives.

70% of the estate's vineyards are dedicated to Dolcetto, with the remaining planted with Barbera, Nebbiolo, Chardonnay and Sauvignon Blanc. The estate also has land in the municipality of Monforte d'Alba, one of the prime areas for the production of Barolo, at San Giuseppe, where the "Le Coste" cru is produced, and in Bussia, where the "Bussia Corsini" cru will be produced.

Technical Information

grape: 100% Nebbiolo
training system: gujot
terrain: medium textured loose-packed calcareous soil
exposure: south
altitude: 320 mt.
vinification: maceration on the skins for 30 days at 28° C
maturation: 36 months in 25 hl oak casks
vinestock per hectare: 5500
alcohol: 14% vol.
96 Points - James Suckling:
"Loads of dried flowers on the nose with dark fruit, such as ripe strawberries and plums. It’s full-bodied with super integrated tannins that give a dusty texture and creaminess. Flavorful finish of fruit and hazelnut with some smoke. Drink in 2025 and onwards." (Jun 2021)

92 Points - Vinous Media:
"The 2017 Barolo Le Coste di Monforte is an attractive, but surprisingly delicate wine from this Monforte site. Bright red-fleshed fruit, chalk, lavender, rose petal and blood orange fill out the layers effortlessly. The tannins are a bit gritty, but otherwise this is nicely done. There's good freshness here, and plenty of verve, too." - Antonio Galloni (Feb 2022)

92 Points - Wine Spectator:
"Aromas of cherry, strawberry and plum are joined by flavors of eucalyptus, iron and tobacco in this powerful red. Feels open initially, then astringent tannins clamp down on the finish. There's plenty of fruit here though. Best from 2025 through 2046. 600 cases made, 200 cases imported." - BS (Dec 2021)

91 Points - Wine Advocate:
"Understated on first nose, the Pecchenino 2017 Barolo le Coste di Monforte lacks the precision that is delivered in cooler vintages than this one was. I'd go with a medium-term drinking window and don't expect too much complexity. The bouquet delivers cherry cola and dried plum aromas with tarry spice. There is more bite or crunch in the mouth, thanks to acidity and structure." - Monica Larner (Jun 2021)