Barolo del Comune di Serralunga d'Alba

From a stellar vintage in 2019, this is a label you can depend on, and given the year, it is one that will keep easily for 10-15 years. The Serralunga label first appeared in 1988, celebrating the terroir of Serralunga and its ability to produce elegant wines. The nose is a classic red plum affair streaked with leather, earth and truffle. Freshness and finesse mark a wine that the sommelier and collectors mostly underrate because production is significant. Still, it meets the grade for affordable, high quality Barolo. Meat and cheese are the traditional matches, but boeuf bourguignon, Nasi Goreng, and smoked meats would all work outside the box. An excellent gift for young collectors.

Aromas of eucalyptus join ripe red berry, rose, new leather and dark spice. Elegantly structured, the focused, taut palate exhibits crushed raspberry, star anise and menthol alongside firm, fine-grained tannins. Fresh acidity keeps it vibrant and balanced. Drink 2025–2033. Kerin O’Keefe