Ettore Germano Barolo DOCG Prapó 2017 (3pk)

Prapò is considered one of the premier crus in Serralunga d'Alba, with Ettore Germano owning just 1.5 hectares of this coveted terroir. The vineyard's southeast exposure maximises sunlight whilst the clay-limestone soils provide excellent drainage and mineral complexity. This combination creates ideal conditions for nebbiolo to develop the structure and elegance that Serralunga is renowned for, producing wines with exceptional aging potential.

The use of botti grande (2000-2500 litre barrels) rather than small barriques is a traditional Piemontese approach that allows the wine to develop complexity without overwhelming the delicate nebbiolo fruit. This extended aging softens the grape's naturally high tannins whilst preserving the terroir expression that makes each Barolo cru unique. The larger format provides gentle oxygenation, helping integrate the wine's components whilst maintaining its distinctive cherry and floral characteristics.

The 2017 vintage in Barolo is widely regarded as exceptional, producing wines with both power and elegance. The growing season provided ideal conditions for nebbiolo ripening, resulting in wines with concentrated flavours yet maintaining the grape's signature acidity and tannin structure. This vintage's 96-point Wine Enthusiast rating reflects the year's quality, suggesting these wines will develop beautifully over the next 15-20 years.

This textured, savoury Barolo pairs magnificently with rich Piemontese cuisine like brasato al Barolo (beef braised in Barolo) or tajarin pasta with white truffles. The wine's cherry and vanilla notes complement game meats, aged cheeses like Gorgonzola, and mushroom-based dishes. The structured tannins can handle robust flavours, making it perfect for slow-cooked lamb or duck, where the wine's complexity enhances rather than competes with the food.

Whilst approachable now, this 2017 Barolo will continue developing until 2035-2040, with peak drinking likely between 2025-2032. Decant for at least 2-3 hours before serving to allow the wine to open up and soften its tannins. Serve at 16-18°C in large Burgundy glasses to capture the wine's complex aromatics, and consider opening the bottle several hours early to maximise its expression of cherry, earth, and subtle spice notes.