Oddero Barolo Mondoca Riserva

"A great wine is made from three great elements: territory, grapes and people. 

It is everyone’s moral imperative to treat their territory with as much respect and love as possible. The hills of the Langhe represent an ecosystem that must be preserved and taken care of with our greatest efforts, by all of its inhabitants."

It's a simple philosophy that 5 generations of Oddero's have firmly attempted to live by.  Since 1978, this wonderful family led by Patriarch Giacomo Oddero have been farming 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, Rocche di Castiglione and Villero.   The family also owns 5 hectares devoted to the production of premium hazelnuts!  

~ Cristina Oddero at work in the Cellar ~

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 from its prestigious Mondoca vineyard.  Located in Monforte d’Alba, Mondoca lies within the “Bussia” geogrpahy not far from the village of Dardi. Its soil is rich in sandstone with natural, residual elements from marine waters. At the highest point of the vineyard,  the soil is white, dusty, and poor in nutrients. In the Summer, when the temperatures rise, the vines often undergo stress due to lack of water and it seems that only Nebbiolo has the strength to grow here. Mondoca is one of the warmest vineyards in Barolo.  

The 2008 Oddero Barolo Bussia Vigna Mondoca Riserva is absolutely stunning.  When I first tasted this wine at Gambero Rosso, I knew then that I would put it in my personal cellar and I am glad that I followed my instinct.

We did not decant the wine.  In the glass,  the wine is a deep ruby color with a slight fade to copper/orange at the rim of the bowl.  The aromas are spellbinding and contain copious fresh floral notes, loads of crushed berry, mint, and tobacco.  On the palate there is no drop off.  The flavors of crushed berry laced with exotic spices, mint and sweet ripe earth notes are utterly amazing. The tannins are present but they are elegant, powdery, minerally and dusty and carry the entire flavor sensation across your palate.  The fresh acidity cleanses for your next sip. And you'll want more. This is the first wine in a long while I can remember my wife and I fighting over.  What's more, I suspect this will even improve.  Aged 3 years in 30 hectoliter barrels, the wine is then aged for an additional two years in bottle in order to obtain Riserva status.  98 points, approximately $100.  Break the bank.

~ The 2008 Oddero Barolo Bussia Vigna Mondoca Riserva is absolutely stunning ~

E vero!