02 May 2022
Known for Barbera d'Asti, Chardonnay and Metodo Classico, Coppo is a winery that also produces an elegant and traditional Barolo
Coppo is one of Piedmont’s most important wineries and its history intertwines with the region’s winemaking legacy.
The company dates back to 1892 and its story has unfolded
alongside that of the family for more than 120 years. Since the very beginning, the Coppo family has managed property vineyards and bottled their own wine: these characteristics have definitely set the brand apart. In 2012, Unioncamere added the winery to the national register of historical businesses, highlighting its uninterrupted activity for over a century.
This winery from Canelli is internationally known for its Barbera d’Asti, such as Pomorosso and Riserva di Famiglia, as well as for its elegant Metodo Classico wines like Riserva Coppo. The brand also vinifies extraordinary Chardonnay wines that reveal its regard for Burgundy, an example is Monteriolo. Last but definitely not the least, Coppo also produces Nizza wines made from 100% Barbera grapes: this denomination was established in 2014 and has since proven to be a successful project with deep ties to the territory.
Yet not many people know that Coppo also produces Barolo. And this is a singular case given that the disciplinary regulating the production of the «King of wines» is very strict and does not allow vinification outside the production area.
So how come Coppo produce and vinify Barolo? This is possible given the winery’s remarkable history: Coppo was already producing Barolo long before the disciplinary was approved.
BAROLO COPPO: MODERN OR TRADITIONAL?
The production of Barolo Coppo observes utmost respect for the Nebbiolo grape: it does not follow trends, nor does it comply with the immediate demands of the market. Only the ripest and healthiest grapes from the hills of La Morra are selected by hand. These are then placed in 20kg ventilated crates to ensure that the grapes are not squeezed before arriving to the cellar.
In the cellar, maceration is carried out in contact with the skins, with short and delicate pumping over. The Barolo ages for 30 months in large French oak barrels and for another 12 months in the bottle.
According to The Wine Advocate: «The wine offers lovely purity in a very classic style». We can thus define Barolo Coppo as a «traditional» wine, despite being very balanced and elegant, without revealing an austere or “difficult” nature. After all, balance, varietal expression and a strong bond with the territory are all part of Coppo's core values. Wood aging is not overpowering as vinification pays utmost attention to the qualities of Nebbiolo. The varietal characteristics change year after year, resulting in a wine with a dynamic and identifying personality: a truly extraordinary Barolo.
A LOOK AT THE LAST VINTAGE, BAROLO 2018
While the «impressive» 2017 vintage has experienced very warm temperatures all year round, in 2018 the vineyards endured a very cold winter (registering temperatures as low as -15/-20 °C) which was luckily balanced by a regular summer season. These climatic conditions produced a ready and structured Barolo 2017, while Barolo 2018 revealed a distinct potential for aging. The latter unveils a slightly rougher and more tannic character when young but is destined to bring out a rare elegance and pleasantness with age.
So, when do we drink Barolo Coppo 2018?
We recommend waiting at least a year before drinking it and to keep a bottle for the 10th anniversary of the harvest, as indicated by the Barolo etiquette. This will enhance the wine’s longevity and singular potential for evolution.
As for the right moment to enjoy Barolo 2018, there is no need for a special occasion: this wine is perfect at any time, even on its own, for a moment of absolute pleasure. As for pairings, the first choice would be tasty and seasoned meats (roasted beef shank, braised veal), but it is also perfect with savory dishes such as fresh pasta with a ragù.
