2018 Schiavenza Barolo Prapo

“Barolo is more than one of the world's great wines and a partner to one of Italy's most varied and refined cuisines. It's an evocative landscape of gently rolling hills covered by a quilt of vineyards and topped by medieval villages with winding cobblestone streets and views to the Alps.” ~ Wine Spectator.

Year after year, Schiavenza's Barolos have been positioned among our bestsellers. Schiavenza's Barolos are the epitome of power, high quality, and uniqueness. This estate is not only loved by us but also by some of the most important wine critics, who have spoken very highly about this winery.

Tom Hyland from Forbes Magazine, featured Schiavenza in its “Best 25 Producers of Barolo” publication and said, “If you are looking for a classic Serralunga Barolo that offers a structure for long-term cellaring, the wines from Schiavenza are ideal candidates. Traditional in the winemaking, each Barolo is an excellent representation of its site, from the Serralunga commune bottling to Broglio, Ceretta, and Prapò. The wines are rugged in nature, but never aggressive, and are beautifully made with great restraint and harmony." 

Schiavenza is located in the magical region of Serralunga d'Alba, in the Barolo DOCG. This winery, which began with the brothers Vittorio and Ugo, is currently managed by Luciano Pira. Luciano and Nebbiolo are like synonyms, this brilliant agronomist has been producing some of the most exceptional Nebbiolos from this region.

Schiavenza is made up of more than 24 acres of vineyards in Serralunga d'Alva, plus some acres in Monforte d'Alba, both vineyards are home to excellent quality, top-tier, artisanal red wines. Everything about Schiavenza Winery is impressive, the winery radiates the culture of the Piedmont area.

Serralunga d'Alba is known for producing some of the finest and most powerful Barolo wines. This region is considered one of the five major communes within the Barolo zone (alongside Barolo, La Morra, Castiglione Falletto, and Monforte d'Alba.) 

The vineyards of Serralunga d'Alba are situated on the hillsides surrounding the village. The soil composition is predominantly rich in limestone and clay, providing excellent drainage and providing unique characteristics to the wines. These wines are known for their robustness, structure, and firm tannins, and have an enormous age-ability.

Serralunga d'Alba is home to some prestigious wineries, including iconic producers such as Massolino, Fontanafredda, and Luciano Sandrone whose prices can go up to more than $200/bottle!

Prapò perfectly combines the fruitiness of the Broglio with the structure and firmness of the Cerretta to produce a wine that has a complex profile and savory, spicy flavors. This wine is a work of art.Vinous Media said: "Schiavenza is another producer who continues to step up quality. The 2018s are beautifully done. These are big, imposing Serralunga Barolos that will benefit from a short stay in bottle."

Aging: 3 years in 2,000- to 4,000-liter Slavonian oak barrels

100% Nebbiolo. 
See Critical Reviews for detailed tasting notes.

The 2018 Barolo Prapò (with fruit from Serralunga d'Alba) opens to a rich fabric of black fruit and toasted spice. The Prapò is a powerful wine with dark oak renderings and 15% alcohol. This bigger style of Barolo will require more cellar time to soften and maybe a heavier meat dish with a reduction sauce. ~93 Robert Parker's Wine Advocate

Quite austere on the nose with dried red-berry, tile, and crushed-stone character. Medium to full-bodied with juicier fruit to start. Then firm, youthful tannins build through the finish. But the fruit pushes through, too. Shows good structure and layering for 2018. Promising. Needs time. Try from 2024. ~93 James Suckling

The 2018 Barolo Prapo shows all the power of Serralunga in its dense, powerful personality. Black cherry, smoke, graphite, leather, and menthol all build nicely. The Prapa is not especially elegant, but its explosive, vibrant personality is absolutely compelling. This hulking, behemoth of a Barolo will certainly benefit from a bit of time in bottle. ~92 Vinous Media

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