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Josetta Saffirio
In just a few short years, this small winery has reached great heights in Barolo, capturing the extraordinary personality of their family vineyards. While recent vintages have been well executed, the 2003 vintage finds Saffirio Barolo at a whole new level of elegance and complexity. This is an exciting year for Barolo—an unusually hot summer put growers to the test, yet those who were diligent were amply rewarded with exciting wines that exhibit both lithe grace and power.
A special treat in 2003 is the release of the family's Barolo “Persiera,” a single-vineyard cuvée composed of rich Nebbiolo fruit fed by a combination of clay and quartz on precipitously steep hillsides. A naturally low-yielding plot (from clones gifted by Lucius Sandrone, a family friend), “Persiera” is robustly fruit-forward, a concentrated yet sensual Barolo that ably harnesses the power of the vintage without excess. “Persiera” means peach orchard, notes of which you'll find in the wine's gorgeous bouquet.
The estate's regulare 2003 Barolo also demands attention with its bold, black fruits and fine tannins—a touch of aged balsamic and a scatter of rose petals on the nose express classic Barolo in all its beauty.
Wine at the Saffirio estate is a family affair. Josetta Saffirio, the namesake of the estate, teaches oenology in Alba and specializes in the geography and geology of the Langhe. Her husband, Roberto Vezza, is a winemaker from Marchese di Barolo.
Yet it is their daughter Sara, a talented woman with a boundless energy and passion for Barolo, who is the driving force behind the estate today. Sara made a splash with her first vintage in 1999; today this micro-estate produces Nebbiolo wines of the utmost quality and character, albeit in very limited quantities.
But that's just the way the family likes it—and the way we like it, too. Every bottle of Saffirio Barolo is handcrafted, from fields to cellar, so the character of the land is clearly expressed. Just outside Monforte d'Alba, family vineyards cling to very steep slopes, many of which are terraced into the quartz- and fossil-rich hillsides.
Nebbiolo here is deep and rich, with classic notes of tobacco and velvety tannins that hint to great years ahead. The 2002 Saffirio Barolo benefited from its impressive terroir, which provided good drainage and gave Nebbiolo plenty of extra sun before harvest in late September. The result is a fully ripe and refined Barolo, with luscious notes of licorice and spice.
2005 Saffirio Barbera d'Alba
Voluptuous notes of melted dark chocolate and licorice waft over an abundantly aromatic nose, while sweet, decadent flavors of blackberries and crème anglaise characterize the plush mouth. Perfectly balanced and vibrant; this captures all the verve of Barbera with a lovely, succulent core of black fruit and spice. Only 4,500 bottles of this juicy Barbera were produced; aged in tank and barrel.
2005 Saffirio Langhe Nebbiolo
Rich, complex and captivating—this Nebbiolo is essentially declassified Barolo from the family's finest vineyards. Touches of blood orange and cherry liqueur show on the precise nose, while lush, earthy and penetrating red berry flavors blend with notes of dried herbs and shaved dark chocolate on the palate. A small percentage of Merlot was added to the blend for added suppleness.
 2003 Saffirio Barolo
A breathtaking wine from a bold vintage—this classic cuvée exhibits all the elegant power of Nebbiolo with an electric intensity. Pure, sweet and ripe red fruits are wonderfully juicy and accessible, wrapped in fine, velvety tannins. Perfumes of rose petals and orange rind shows on the aromatic nose. To be sure, this is Sara Saffirio's finest regulare to date; her diligent work in the last few years have borne true fruit in 2003.
2003 Saffirio Barolo “Persiera”
This “peach grove” vineyard naturally gives very low yields, approximately 25 hl/ha. It is here where the family's genius in vineyard management shines—these closely planted, older vines feed from a combination of granite rock and mixed clay, producing rich, concentrated fruit. Only five barrels made; aged 1/3 in new wood. This is a sensual combination of deep black fruit and lush power. Perfumes of geranium and blood orange blend with a touch of white peach on the nose. A blend of extraordinary terroir, winemaking prowess and an unforgettable year.
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