Unyielding Traditionalism
2011 Cappellano Barolo Pie Rupestris
The Barolos of Cappellano don't need an introduction.
They are some of the most uncompromising and compelling old-school Barolos out there.
In terms of longevity, Cappellano's Barolos boast structures that can keep stride with the great distance runners of Piedmont, like Conterno's Monfortino and Giacosa's Red Label.
Every year we wait for our allocation, and it's much smaller than we'd like it to be, and then, it's gone.
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The 2011 vintage in Barolo has the reputation for being radiant and somewhat giving. Cappellano's Barolo is markedly different. It has more muscle, rigor and a darker and more complex profile than the general characterization of the vintage would lead you to believe.
Pie Rupestris comes from the Gabutti vineyard in Serralunga d’Alba. The area is known for producing powerful, intense Barolos. The signature of Cappellano's Rupestris is certainly its muscle, but that's only half the story.
Beyond all else, Rupestris is soulful with an elusive depth of earth, mushrooms, stones and bruised herbs. For all its brawn, it's the layers of flower, dark fruit and soil that define Rupestris.
Teobaldo Cappellano, who sadly passed away in 2009, was one of the great, unwavering personalities in all of wine. Since the 1980s, he insisted that his wines not be given point scores. Despite not having scores to drive interest in his wines, Cappellano's wines have achieved cult status. Since Teobaldo's passing in 2009, his son Augusto, who had worked alongside his father for years, took the helm. Augusto has continued the steadfast traditionalism of the estate.
Before wrapping things up, I should warn you that quantities are modest. It's very likely that we'll have to allocate.
To order, email offers@crushwineco.com or call the store at (212) 980-9463.
Joe Salamone
Wine Buyer
Crush Wine & Spirits