Barolo Ravera 2003 DOCG Elvio Cogno

Barolo is one of my favorite wines. Barolo is a full-bodied wine. Most Barolo express complex and distinct flavor. The price of Barolo usually is relatively high making it a difficult choice for an every day meal. We will spend the extra bucks when making a Brasato al Barolo or a Risotto Barolo and Sausage. Last week, I had the opportunity to taste a Barolo Ravera 2003 DOCG by Elvio Cogno. It was young. In fact I consider it an infanticide but the quality of Barolo shined through. The company explains the wine like this:


Many consider “Ravera” a great Barolo Cru, although its elaboration is difficult because of the altitude and type of soil. This is a Barolo with a very strong character, which does not loose its origins even through its partial ageing in small casks. The Ravera Cru terroir is expressed in the wine with the finesse of the bouquet, a full flavoured palate and great complexity. The slightly prolonged fermentation intends to ennoble these attributes, which give their best after ageing.

An intense garnet red, lively and brilliant with a slight orange rim. Its nose appears candid, elegant and strong, evoking dog-rose, mint and tobacco that in time turn to fragrances of spices, coffee, liquorice and truffle with a leather and mineral finish. In the mouth it appears full, rounded, strong bodied and well balanced. It has a forward flavour of plum preserve and dried blackberry with a chocolate finish giving a harmonious and pleasant aromatic persistence.

It is extremely affable in its first years, becoming austere with classic elegance and boldness as time goes on.

While I agree with the tasting notes, the 2003 is too young. The fruity body dominates. This may be appealing to some but I love a true Barolo with balance and complexity. I enjoy the subtle passage from one flavor to another and that experience is lost unless you let the bottle decant for at least one hour and two would be better. As the wine ages the flavors will balance. At 35$ a bottle you can buy this Barolo and stick it in your cellar for a couple of years.

Today I would drink this wine with red sauces and savory first plates. In a few years this will marvelously accompany aged hard cheeses, complex red meats and wild game.

Grape: 100% Nebbiolo

Color: Intense Garnet Red.

Bouquet: dog-rose, mint and tobacco that in time turn to fragrances of spices, coffee, liquorice and truffle with a leather and mineral finish

Flavor: plum preserve and dried blackberry with a chocolate finish.

Alcohol: 13%

Serving Temperature: 19 c.

Glass: Amarone (produced by Bottega del Vino) or Balloon.

Tags: Nebbiolo Barolo Red Wine Italian Wine Piedmont Sommelier Food and Wine Travel Italy