Ettore Germano Barolo Prapo 19

A tall medieval tower dominates the village of Serralunga, on the south-east edge of the Barolo appellation, giving fair warning of the character of the wines grown there: structured, substantial, uncompromising. Sergio Germano, whose winery is a few minutes walk north of Serralunga, completed six years of study at the School of Enology in Alba, then made wine for a few years at Fontanafredda, one of the larger wineries in the area, before returning to the family estate in 1993. The winery is still named after Ettore, Sergios father, who grew grapes, made a little wine for private customers, and was known throughout the area for his skill in grafting vines. Prapo (the site that Vinous's Ian d'Agata calls "a Grand Cru for Nebbiolo'') is elegant and lithe by comparison. The style and grace of Prapo is what this site is all about, and Germano captures it perfectly. Garnet red with light orange reflections. Intense fragrance of dried fruits, with notes of vanilla and underlying sweet red fruits, thanks to the sand that is present in the soil. A great balance of strength and elegance, a pleasant tannin that cleansthe palate leaving a good finish of olfactory sensations. The most interesting of combinations are to be found in particular with first and second courses of the Piedmontese traditional foods. Also great with aged cheeses and dried fruits to sip only in good company.