The Vaira family’s parcel in Coste di Rose in Barolo are gorgeously located on the top of the MGA, at 310m above sea level. It’s a unique vineyard. The soil is dominated by a pure Arenaria di Diano, a Tortonian sandstone that delivers distinctive floral aromatics and a salty minerality. This cru is one of Barolo’s best-kept secrets, being located right in between Cannubi and Bussia, yet away from the beaten paths.
Fruit is picked usually around the third week of October. Vinification occurs in custom-designed vertical tini, with gentle punch down and rinsing of the cap. Maceration lasts 40 to 50 days on average. Malolactic conversion takes place in stainless steel, the following spring.
Coste di Rose is possibly the most approachable cru of Barolo at this stage, with roses and a floral- dominated nose, combined with marasca cherry and hints of liquorice and mint. A very elegant and pleasurable structure that flows gracefully on the palate with a lingering and sapid finish. – Giuseppe Vaira
‘Ripe red fruit, blood orange, mint and nutmeg. Juicy dark red fruits with a bit of orange tang, spicy too, with firm chalky tannin, plenty of chew and energy, and a bit of liquorice on a long firm finish. A little more chunky and open-knit than usual, but still very good.’ – 94 points. Gary Walsh, The Wine Front
‘The 2017 Barolo Coste di Rose is pretty, supple and inviting. Some of the tannins need to resolve, but this is a young Barolo after all. The Coste di Rose doesn’t have the sensuality of the Albe or the pedigree of the Viole, but it nevertheless has so much to give. Crushed flowers, sweet red berry fruit, mint, crushed rocks and sage are some of the many notes that linger. I won’t be surprised if the 2017 is even better than this note suggests once it softens a bit.’ – 93 points. Antonio Galloni, Vinous
