La Trava, Barolo 5L 2018

La Trava is a boutique winery in Piemonte, dedicated to producing elegant and terroir-driven Nebbiolo wines. Their Barolo 5L 2018 is a rare large-format bottling, ideal for long-term ageing, as the increased volume allows for a slower, more refined maturation process. Sourced from select vineyards with limestone-rich soils, this Barolo is aged in large oak barrels to enhance its structure and finesse. The 2018 vintage presents a beautifully balanced expression of Barolo, with vibrant acidity, firm yet polished tannins, and impressive depth.

Appearance: Deep garnet with a striking brick-orange rim, characteristic of Nebbiolo’s ageing process. The wine has a luminous clarity, with slow-moving, well-defined legs that hint at its structure and balanced alcohol. The larger format preserves its vibrancy and ensures a long evolution in the bottle.

Aroma: Highly expressive, with aromas of ripe red cherries, wild strawberries, and dried rose petals. Earthy notes of truffle, forest floor, and tobacco add depth, while hints of liquorice, cedar, and balsamic provide further complexity. Delicate nuances of dried orange peel and herbal notes emerge as the wine opens, enhancing its elegance.

Taste: Powerful yet refined, with a core of red berry fruit balanced by lively acidity. Sour cherry, cranberry, and pomegranate lead into layers of liquorice, dried thyme, and warm spice. The tannins are firm yet well-integrated, giving the wine structure without overpowering its finesse. A mineral streak from the vineyard’s limestone soils adds precision and depth, while subtle oak influences of cedar and nutmeg contribute to the wine’s complexity.

Finish: Exceptionally long and evolving, with lingering notes of dried roses, red fruit, and a touch of balsamic. The tannins remain persistent yet elegant, ensuring the wine’s longevity. A final flourish of earthy truffle, tobacco, and spice lingers gracefully, making each sip more compelling than the last.

Food Pairing: Pairs beautifully with braised wild boar with rosemary and juniper, where the wine’s structure and acidity complement the dish’s richness while enhancing its savoury depth. Also an excellent match with aged pecorino and black truffle honey, as the wine’s tannins balance the cheese’s sharpness while harmonising with the earthy sweetness of the honey.