Oddero Barolo Classico 2021

Poderi e Cantine Oddero is one of the historic family estates of Barolo, with winemaking roots in La Morra dating to the late 18th century. The family began bottling wine under its own name in 1878, while Giacomo Oddero modernized and expanded the estate during the 1950s. Today, the winery is managed by his daughter Mariacristina and the seventh generation, Isabella and Pietro, who continue the family’s commitment to traditional winemaking. The estate farms approximately 35 hectares across the Langhe and Asti regions, including vineyards in several of Barolo’s celebrated crus.

Oddero began adopting organic farming practices in 2008, and its nebbiolo, barbera and dolcetto vineyards are now certified organic. The family avoids chemical herbicides, using mechanical weed control, natural ground cover and organic fertilizers to maintain soil health. Their vineyard holdings span several communes, with soils composed of varying proportions of calcareous marl, clay and sand. This diversity allows the estate to produce wines that express the distinct characteristics of individual vineyard sites while maintaining the traditional structure and aromatic complexity of Barolo.

The 2021 Barolo Classico is made entirely from nebbiolo, sourced from three vineyard sites: Bricco Chiesa and Capalot in La Morra, and Bricco Fiasco in Castiglione Falletto. The vines reach up to 60 years of age, with grapes harvested and selected by hand. Each parcel undergoes separate fermentation and approximately 20 days of maceration in stainless steel, followed by malolactic fermentation. The wines undergo élevage separately for 30 months in large, 4,000 to 7,500 liter Slavonian and Austrian oak casks before blending. Bottling takes place in late summer, followed by an additional six months of bottle aging before release. The use of large oak casks preserves the wine’s fruit and site character without introducing pronounced new oak flavors.

The 2021 vintage opens with aromas of red cherry, wild strawberry and dried rose, accompanied by notes of licorice, spice and earthy minerality. On the palate, bright red fruit is supported by vibrant acidity and firm, finely textured tannins. The finish is long and structured, with lingering notes of bitter orange, dried flowers and savory spice, suggesting excellent potential for further bottle aging.