The Oddero family winery was founded in La Morra in 1878 and has produced a variety of wines coming from the Langhe hills exclusively from family owned vineyard sources. In fact, local documents show that the Oddero family has roots in the Langhe as far back as 1794, though the exact genesis of wine production is difficult to pinpoint. Regardless, it’s fair to say, they’ve got some experience.
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| ~ Three Generations of Oddero’s work the family estate ~ |
Oddero owns approximately 35 hectares of vineyards in Piemonte of which 16 are devoted to Nebbiolo for Barolo. The family is fortunate to hold parcels in some of Piemonte’s greatest Cru vineyards such as Rionda, Brunate, Bussia Soprana, Rocche di Castiglione and Villero. The family also owns 5 hectares devoted to the production of premium hazelnuts!
You can learn much more about the Oddero family from the interview I conducted with proprietor Cristina Oddero. We discussed several topics at length and she conveys the family passion in an almost tactile manner.
Today, we’re focusing on one of the estates recent releases, the 2010 Barolo.
Crafted from vineyard sources in both La Morra and Castiglione Falleto, the estate Barolo is often Oddero’s most accessible wine. But don’t let that fool you. The vines that source the fruit are almost 60 years old and this is an intense Barolo worthy of the name.
The 2010 Barolo is a bright violet color with a slight orange fade at the rim of the glass. The aromas are classic indeed with lots of warm cherry, dried fennel seed, cured meat and flowers. It’s enticing to smell.
On the palate, the wine appears slightly lean at first, but blossoms with extended air time and behaves very differently with food. I do not recommend attempting to enjoy this on its own. You will be disappointed. With roasted prime rib over New Year’s Day, the contrast was stark. Ripe cherries plump up with the food and add traces of mineral, fresh anise, and autumn leaves. It’s attractive and certainly accessible – especially given the overall structure of the 2010 vintage.
Oddero takes pride in making wines people can afford to drink and this wine is a prime example coming in at around $40-$45. It would be a great introduction to Barolo, or a “Cellar Defender” to keep your hands off Barolo requiring age. 91 points.
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| ~ The 2010 Oddero Barolo is a very nice value for the type ~ |
Salute!
