Rating:
96
Kerin O'Keefe - kerinokeefe.com
Rose, mint and a whiff of forest floor accent primary aromas of ripe red berry on the gorgeous 2021 Capalot from rising star Cristian Boffa. Made with grapes grown in the Capalot MGA in La Morra, the elegant, vibrant palate delivers ripe raspberry, succulent red cherry, cinnamon stick and licorice accompanied by taut, refined tannins. Bright acidity keeps it well balanced and loaded with energy. Drink 2030–2041. Abv: 14.5% Kerin O’Keefe March 2025
Product Description:
Young Cristian Boffa has viticultural roots through both his parents: Marilena Alessandria his mother, known as 'Mari', was born & brought up in the La Morra borgata of Santa Maria, her family having a small cantina in the village, Az. Agr. Martinat & proud owners of plots in the vyd's of Capalot, Santa Maria, & in Serralunga d'Alba's Meriame. While his father, Stefano Boffa comes from Mango, his family uprooting in 1940s to Santa Maria with his seven siblings to work as a 'mezzadro'/sharecropper at Tenuta Para', then in the cantina of Luigi Oddero until 2012; he found time to meet his bride to be (Marilena!); Stefano inherited plots in Bricco Chiesa, Galina, & Bettolotti, so completing the 5ha in both Santa Maria della Morra & Serralunga d'Alba. Cristian's first bottled Barolo was in 2014, all 500 bts of Capalot! Ageing takes place in Garbellotto & Gamba botte grande 25 - 38HL. They make three Barolos: a traditional blend, single vyd Capalot, & Meriame. They also produce a Dolcetto, small oak Barbera, & delightful Langhe Nebbiolo.
The La Morra borgata of Santa Maria is increasingly sought after on account of its E facing vineyards, clay-rich soils, & many springs that keep the land (& contadini) stress-free even in the hottest years! Capalot is arguably the village's finest vineyard, sitting higher up above the borgata, on limestone & sandy soils & facing ES; the Boffa plot sits just above the road, its bunches protected on the western face by nets. 2021 a sought-after vintage, benefitting from a steely spine. Cristian aged his Barolo Capalot in untoasted 38HL Gamba french oak.---- WINERY