Elvio Cogno first came up with the idea to produce wine at the Ristorante dell’Angelo in La Morra. Elvio Cogno’s family had been growing grapes for generations, but no one had thought of turning that work into a job. It was so successful that by the late 1950s, with the support of a business partner and the growing prestige of his wines, Elvio Cogno decided to leave the restaurant business and produce wine full time. The first Barolo that the Cogno family bottled was the great vintage of 1961.
This bottle was opened and sat for an hour but was not decanted.
Crimson in color. 14.5% ABV. Stunning nose of red fruits, wet pavement and rose petal. Medium body with exceptional acidity. Warm and caressing with great mouth feel. Sour cherries, tobacco, blood and herbs on the palate. Tremendous length on the finish with silky tannins. Really well made Barolo that is showing great right now. Best over the next 3-5 years.
My rating: 93 points.
Current vintages of Azienda Agricola Elvio Cogno Barolo Cascina Nuova including the ’11, ’12 and ’13 are recommended and attractively priced in the $35-$40 range.