2004 Luigi Pira Barolo Marenca

The Pira family began bottling their own wine only in 1995 after years of selling their grapes to other producers. Today, they have 8 hectares in Serralunga d’Alba, one of the 5 main Barolo villages. Its soil is composed of compact sandstone and clay, which produces particularly powerful and long-lived wines. Bigger, more structured than Margheria – also a little higher in altitude; 2.2ha vineyard. Aged in 500-litre tonneaux, 50% new. Strongly spiced – both sweet and savoury aromas and a peppery char overlay. Richer fruit than the Margheria, juicier and tannins are finer though still pretty firm. Power and depth and real class for the long term. Very fine. (JH) £360.00 ib Goedhuis

As it often is, Pira's 2004 Barolo Marenca is an thrilling wine. This layered, sumptuous Barolo possesses generous, plump fruit, sweet spices, menthol and new leather flavors with an expansive, rich personality. The oak is well-integrated and the wine offers superb balance, with tannins that finish big but polished. The Marenca is aged exclusively in 500-liter barrels.

As it often is, Pira’s 2004 Barolo Marenca is a thrilling wine. This layered, sumptuous Barolo possesses generous, plump fruit, sweet spices, menthol and new leather flavors with an expansive, rich personality. The oak is well-integrated and the wine offers superb balance, with tannins that finish big but polished. The Marenca is aged exclusively in 500-liter barrels. Anticipated maturity: 2012-2024. A Marc de Grazia Selection, various American importers, including Michael Skurnik, Syosset, NY; tel. (516) 677-9300, Vin Divino, Chicago, IL; tel. (773) 334-6700, and Estate Wines, Ltd., San Rafael, CA; tel. (415) 492-9411