At a glance

Producer

Gaetano D'Aquine

Region

Barolo, Piemonte, Italy

Grape variety

Nebbiolo

Wine type

Red

Body

Full-bodied and Bold

Sweetness

Dry

Typical price

$40-$60

Tasting profile

Expect firm tannic structure, aromas of red cherry, rose, earth, and tar with underlying spice notes

Evolution: Will soften tannins and develop tertiary notes of leather, truffle, forest floor, and dried herbs over next decade

At peak: Complex, well-integrated bouquet with smooth tannins and long, elegant finish

Structure

Acidity

High, vibrant acidity supporting long aging

Tannins

Firm and ripe tannins characteristic of Nebbiolo

Alcohol

13.5%-14%

Aging potential

20-30 years from vintage if properly cellared

Drinking window

Peak drinking

2028 to 2041

Optimal window

2023 to 2044

Current status

Approaching ideal drinking phase

Current condition

Likely still developing tannins with growing complexity

Gaetano D'Aquine's Barolo from 2016 is from an acclaimed vintage in Piemonte offering structured Nebbiolo with firm tannins and high acidity allowing extended aging. Typical Barolo aging windows extend 20-30 years due to Nebbiolo's tannic and acidic profile, enabling complexity accumulation and softened texture around 10+ years post vintage.

Food pairing

Pairs excellently with rich Northern Italian cuisine such as braised beef, game dishes, mushroom risottos, aged cheeses, and truffle-based recipes.

Serving

Serving temperature

16-18°C / 61-64°F

Decant

Yes (1-2 hours) — To soften tannins and allow complex aromas to open up

Sustainability

Sustainability score: 6/10

Limited documentation on producer sustainability practices; likely traditional viticulture with some modern efficiency adoption

Gaetano D'Aquine is a smaller estate in Barolo area with traditional viticulture and limited public documentation on formal sustainability certifications or extensive environmental initiatives. Common regional practices include careful vineyard management and respect for terroir with some adoption of energy and water conservation measures. The lack of official organic/biodynamic certification limits sustainability score, but moderate practices and regional focus suggest moderate sustainability overall.