Cappellano, Barolo Otin Fiorin - Pie Rupestris, 2006

Teobaldo Cappellano was a legend in Barolo—a revolutionary traditionalist who in 1983 banished wine critics who wouldn't review his wines without scores. This 2006 Pie Rupestris, from vines grafted onto Rupestris rootstock in the 1940s, embodies his philosophy: extended fermentation, long aging in traditional botti (five years total before release), no filtration, pure terroir expression. Sourced from the prestigious Gabutti cru with south-southwest exposure, the wine shows earthy, truffled aromas married to a full-bodied, occasionally rustic character backed by rugged, classic tannins. Now nearly 20 years old, this vintage has the structure and mineral grip to age another 10+ years.