At a glance

Producer

Elio Grasso

Region

Barolo, Piedmont, Italy

Grape variety

Nebbiolo

Wine type

Red

Body

Full-bodied and Bold

Sweetness

Dry

Typical price

$250-350

Tasting profile

Intense notes of black cherry, raspberry compote, violets, rose, tar, and menthol. Layers of licorice, leather, truffle, and subtle spice. Palate is dense yet energetic—firm tannins frame the muscular fruit and mineral notes.

Evolution: Tertiary aromas of dried rose petal, tobacco, truffle, forest floor, and dried fruit will emerge in 6-10 years. Structure will soften, tannins will integrate and acidity will persist.

At peak: Expect a seamless interplay of fruit, earth, floral, and spice, with extraordinary depth and haunting length from 2028 onwards.

Structure

Acidity

Pronounced, energetic and driving

Tannins

High, ripe yet firm—typical of great Barolo Riserva

Alcohol

14.5% ABV (typical for Barolo Riserva in warm years)

Aging potential

Outstanding—25-35+ years from vintage in a top vintage and from a top site/producer

Drinking window

Peak drinking

2028 to 2052

Optimal window

2025 to 2055

Current status

Entering early maturity with excellent future evolution

Current condition

Structured and tightly wound, showing increasing aromatic and palate complexity; can be enjoyed now with extended decanting but will reward significant additional cellaring.

2015 was a powerful, structured Barolo vintage—warm but with balance. Elio Grasso’s Cru Riserva from the Rüncot vineyard is built for long-term aging thanks to old vines, low yields, classic élévage, and rigorous selection. This wine regularly rewards 25-35 years’ cellaring, and 2015’s ripe structure suggests potential for 2045+, especially from pristine cellars.

Food pairing

Traditional Piedmontese fare: braised beef (Brasato al Barolo), wild boar, truffled pasta (tajarin with white truffle), mature cheeses (Parmigiano Reggiano, aged Taleggio), Osso Buco, and porcini risotto.

Serving

Serving temperature

18°C / 64°F

Decant

Yes (2-3 hours) — Exposure to air is essential for young Riserva Barolo to unlock aromatics and soften tannins.

Sustainability

Sustainability score: 7/10

Manual harvesting, grass cover crops, minimal systemic treatments, use of solar panels for partial energy needs, careful water management and focus on biodiversity in vineyards. Packaging is traditional (glass, cork).

Elio Grasso’s sustainable viticulture (manual labor, biodiversity, natural cover crops, limited spraying) scores well by traditional standards for Piedmont. Lack of formal organic/biodynamic certification and use of classic heavy glass and natural cork slightly lowers score versus the leaders in climate action. Overall, the estate demonstrates environmental awareness and stewardship, with continued improvements in energy efficiency and vineyard care.