Ascheri Barolo 'Sorano' 2016
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1 or more bottles$199.99
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Wine Enthusiast95 points
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The Wine Advoca94 points
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Jancis Robinson17 points

Editors notes
Dottore (Doctor) Matteo Ascheri is not only the 5th generation owner and winemaker of his family estate (established 1880), he also runs a 4 star resort and traditional 'Osteria' (restaurant) next to the winery in Bra. In addition to this, Matteo is the head of the Consorzio di Barolo, which makes all decisions about the future of this unique and highly-regarded region.
The Ascheri Barolo 'Sorano' is sourced entirely from one of the family's 3 vineyards. Grapes are macerated on skins for 15 days at about 30 degrees Celsius, with 60% of the wine having a completely submerged cap to extract tannin, colour and flavour. Ethereal bouquet; intense tar with a scent of dry flowers, underwood, leather, truffles and sweet spices. A rich palate; balance and mature tannins contribute to its harmony, distinction and intensity. A remarkably classy, austere wine, with exceptional richness and typicity.
Details
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Wine Type
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Vintage
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Variety
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Brand
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Location
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Cellaring
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Closure
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Alcohol Percentage
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Oak Type
Tasting Profile
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Light (Light)Full (Full)
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Low Tannin (Low Tannin)Tannic (Tannic)
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Sweet (Sweet)Dry (Dry)
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Low Acidity (Low Acidity)High Acidity (High Acidity)
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Aroma
- Earthy
- Roses
- Tar
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Palate
- Floral
- Savoury
- Tar
Food Pairings
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Game
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Pork
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Red Meat
Critic Scores & reviews
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Wine Enthusiast
95"Earthy and loaded with personality, this full-bodied red has aromas of camphor, new leather, game and ripe black-skinned fruit. On the concentrated palate, chewy tannins accompany fleshy Marasca cherry, crushed raspberry, truffle and tobacco. Drink 2024–2031."
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The Wine Advocate
94"Matteo Ascheri favors short, hot fermentations, adding an immediate layer of power and intensity that you feel right off the bat, especially in a classic vintage such as this. His 2016 Barolo Sorano (with 5,000 bottles made) definitely shows the darker color and thicker flavor concentration that comes with fruit grown in Serralunga d'Alba. The wine's bouquet is generous and rich with red rose petal, licorice, tar and smoky road asphalt. As is to be expected, the tannins are more prominent in the Barolo Sorano, with a pinch of tightness that needs a few extra years of bottle aging to soften. What really drives this wine forward is the quality and the contained intensity of the 2016 fruit. It's a classic for sure, although patience is required."
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Jancis Robinson MW
17"Just mid ruby with orange tinges. Fine cherry and sweet raspberry nose with minerally, savoury hints. Supple and suave cherry fruit lined with sandpapery tannins. Fruit-driven finish with supple acidity and tannic grip pulling the whole into shape."
Other vintages
Love this wine? Here's a list of other vintages we have in stock if you'd like to try them as well.
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- Variety Nebbiolo
- Vintage 2015
- Brand Ascheri
- Cellaring 15 Plus Years
- Wine Type Red
- Alcohol Percentage 14.5% Alcohol
Ascheri Barolo 'Sorano' 2015-
Huon Hooke97 points
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Jancis Robinson16.5 points
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Mark Faber93 points
$199.99
Current auction
All current auctions for this wine & any different vintages.
Locations
Italy
Italy has some of the oldest wine production methods in the world and almost every part of the country is planted under vine. From the Alps in the north to the very southernmost parts of Sicily where Africa is almost in sight, wine is successfully cultivated. In addition to the latitude covered, Italy's many mountains and hills provide a plethora of altitudes for grape growing in various soils and micro-climates. The extensive coastlines along the peninsula that is Italy provide maritime climates for the coastal wine-growing areas. Over 350 grape varieties are 'authorised' in Italy, though up to 550 varieties are thought to be grown.
The classification system of Italian wines has four classes, with the intention of defining a wine's origin a quality. Two of these classes are table wines, whilst DOC and DOCG fall under the EU quality wine produced in a specific region category. Vino da Tavola (VDT) means that the wine comes from Italy. Most of these wines are generally basic table wines that are consumed domestically. Indicazione Geografica Tipica (IGT) denotes a more specific region within Italy, and the resultant will be of higher quality than simple table wines, but won't conform to the rules required for higher certification. Both Denominazione di Origine Controllata (DOC) and Denominazione di Origine Controllata e Garantita (DOCG) are regionally more specific than IGT, and have stricter rules regarding the grape varieties grown, yields per hectare, minimum alcohol levels and so on. The major difference between DOC and DOCG is that the latter has to undergo a blind-tasting session to ensure the highest quality is achieved. Italy has 32 DOCG appelations, 311 DOC appelations and 120 IGT zones.
Key regions include Piedmont, Tuscany, Abruzzo, Veneto, Sicily and Sardinia. Common white varieties grown are Pinot Grigio, Arneis, Vermentino, Verdicchio, Fiano and Moscato. The red varieties grown the most are Sangiovese, Barbera, Dolcetto, Nebbiolo, Montepulciano, Primitivo, Nero d'Avola and Corvina.

Piedmont
Piedmont (Piemonte in Italian) is probably the finest wine region in all of Italy, and has laid claim to this since Roman times. It has a continental climate influenced by the surrounding Alps and Ligurian Apennines, and is located in the north-west of Italy, bordering both France and Switzerland.
Piedmont has only 1% of the total vineyards of Bordeaux and 15% that of Burgundy. So while a top Chateaux may produce upwards of 35,000 cases a year, leading Barolo producers will often make only 800 cases. More than half of its vineyards are registered with DOC designations and many are in the Apennine or Alpine foothills, from 300-600m above sea level. Most of the wines are produced by smaller family estates rather than larger holdings.
Piedmont has 46 different DOC and four DOCG regions, and produces the largest number of well known, world-recognized, prize-winning wines. The most famous would have to be Barolo or Barbaresco, whose power comes from the Nebbiolo grape variety. The most widely planted red variety is Barbera although Dolcetto, Muscat, Shiraz and Bonarda are also produced.
The white variety most well known is Moscato, which is often made into frizzante (bubbly) wines known as Asti. Cortese is made into the popular Gavi wines, and smaller amounts of Chardonnay and high quality Sparkling are also produced in the far north of Piedmont.

Barolo
Situated in the picturesque rolling hills of Piedmont, Italy, just south of the historic town of Alba, lies the renowned appellation of 'Barolo'. Steeped in tradition and history, this now DOCG status region is widely regarded as one of Italy's finest wine-producing areas, thanks to its production of exceptional red wines made from 100% Nebbiolo grapes.
Barolo wines are famed for their complex flavor profiles, firm tannins, and beguiling aromas, earning them the coveted title of ‘the King of Wines’ for centuries. While the DOCG defines winemaking practices, there are two distinct styles that winemakers tend to prefer - a traditional style and a modern style.
The region boasts two primary soil types - the sandy Tortonian marl, which tends to produce softer wines with a more delicate character, and the Helvetian sandstone clay, which typically gives rise to more robust, powerful wines. The continental climate of the area, characterized by a long summer and late autumn, provides an ideal environment for growing the fickle Nebbiolo grape to perfect ripeness, resulting in wines of unparalleled quality and character.
The winemaking history of Barolo can be traced back centuries, and the region's unique terroir, combined with the expertise of its winemakers, has resulted in the creation of some of Italy's most sought-after and collectible wines. Barolo wines are a perfect pairing with rich, hearty dishes, particularly those featuring truffles or wild game, and are a must-try for any serious wine lover.
In addition to producing world-class Barolo wines, the region is also renowned for its production of other fine wines, including Barbaresco, Dolcetto, and Barbera, all of which showcase the unique character and terroir of this remarkable wine-growing region. Whether you're a wine enthusiast or simply looking to explore one of Italy's most captivating regions, Barolo is an unforgettable destination that is sure to delight and inspire.

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About the brand Ascheri
Dottore (Doctor) Matteo Ascheri is not only the 5th generation owner of his family estate (established 1880), he also runs a 4 star resort and traditional 'Osteria' (restaurant) next to the winery in Bra. In addition to this, Matteo is the head of the Consorzio di Barolo, which makes all decisions about the future of this unique and highly-regarded region.