Josetta Saffirio 2018 Barolo del Comune di Monforte d'Alba

Josetta Saffirio 2018 Barolo del Comune di Monforte d’Alba is a classic, commune-bottled Monforte Barolo with the appellation’s hallmark authority—rose-petal perfume, dark cherry depth, and a firm, mineral tannin line that promises graceful development. It’s a serious, cellar-worthy Nebbiolo: structured and savory in youth, yet already showing polish and aromatic precision in the glass.

Origins & Craftsmanship
This Barolo comes from the Monforte d’Alba commune—one of Barolo’s most structure-driven villages—where elevation and marl-limestone soils help shape wines of depth, line, and longevity. The vineyards are situated on south-east exposures at roughly 300–380 meters altitude, with marly-limestone soils featuring a notable sand and silt presence—an important detail that can add aromatic lift and finesse to Monforte’s natural power.

Made from 100% Nebbiolo, the fruit is hand-harvested, then gently handled in the cellar: the grapes are pressed and destemmed, followed by temperature-controlled fermentation in stainless steel with 8–10 days of maceration to build Barolo’s signature tannin architecture while preserving perfume. After malolactic fermentation, the wine is matured in large oak barrels, a traditional approach that favors transparency, savory complexity, and ageworthiness over overt wood sweetness.

Critics Reviews
James Suckling awards the 2018 vintage 92 points, noting a profile built around dark raspberry fruit, cacao, walnut, and peppercorn aromatics, with a firm, savory structure, tight tannins, and bright acidity.

Tasting Profile
Nose: Classic Nebbiolo lift—rose petal and dried cherry—layered with anise, licorice root, and hints of sweet tobacco. Subtle notes of walnut skin, cacao, and crushed stone add depth and a distinctly Monforte seriousness.

Palate: Medium-full and structured, with dark cherry and red plum framed by savory spice and earthy undertones. Tannins are present and finely grained, building through the mid-palate with a mineral, iron-tinged firmness that feels true to the commune. Acidity stays bright, keeping the wine linear and food-driven.

Finish: Long, drying, and poised—lingering cherry skin, cocoa dust, licorice, and a final sweep of mineral tannin that signals real Barolo longevity.

Quick Overview

"The Josetta Saffirio 2018 Barolo del Comune di Monforte d'Alba is delicate and bright with pretty nuances of red fruit and dried currant, pressed flowers, candied orange, baked clay and rusty nail. This wine delivers a lightness and a lifted elegance that is very refreshing, especially in this vintage that sometimes shows more monotone results. The finish has balanced freshness and long silkiness. These are terrific and nuanced results." Robert Parker 92 Points