Curto 2018 Barolo Arborina DOCG — La Morra, Piedmont, Italy
100% Nebbiolo | Single-Vineyard Barolo | Organic Farming Practices
An Exceptional Single-Vineyard Barolo from La Morra
Discover Curto 2018 Barolo Arborina DOCG, a beautifully expressive Nebbiolo from the celebrated Arborina vineyard in La Morra, one of Piedmont's most prestigious Barolo-producing villages.
Crafted by acclaimed winemaker Nadia Curto, niece of legendary Barolo producer Elio Altare, this distinctive single-vineyard Barolo combines traditional Piedmontese winemaking heritage with a thoughtful, modern approach.
The wine reveals an elegant bouquet of ripe cherries, raspberries, rose petals, and earthy spice, complemented by intriguing notes of cocoa, balsamic herbs, and truffle.
On the palate, it offers impressive depth and concentration, beautifully polished tannins, and a refined structure that balances power with elegance.
Tasting Notes — Elegant, Complex and Beautifully Structured
Appearance: Bright garnet-red with delicate ruby reflections.
Nose: An expressive bouquet of ripe raspberries, cherries, and rose petals, layered with earthy spice, cocoa, balsamic notes, and hints of truffle.
Palate: Rich and beautifully structured, offering concentrated red fruit, savory complexity, and finely polished tannins. The texture is supple and elegant, with an appealing balance between fruit intensity and freshness.
Finish: Long, persistent, and rewarding, with lingering red berries, delicate spice, and earthy nuances.
This is a Barolo that combines powerful Nebbiolo character with the perfume, refinement, and approachability associated with La Morra.
Arborina — A Celebrated Single Vineyard in La Morra
The Arborina vineyard is situated in Annunziata, a historic hamlet of La Morra within the Barolo DOCG appellation.
Recognized for producing distinctive Nebbiolo wines, Arborina is particularly admired for its combination of aromatic complexity, concentrated fruit, and refined structure.
Curto's Arborina vineyard encompasses approximately 1.5 hectares, situated at elevations of roughly 270–300 meters above sea level.
The vineyard's clay-rich, marly soils contribute to the wine's distinctive structure and character.
The fruit is harvested by hand from carefully managed vineyards, reflecting the family's commitment to quality and traditional agricultural practices.
Nadia Curto — A New Generation of Barolo Excellence
Located in the hills of La Morra, Cantina Curto is a small family-owned winery with a history spanning more than six decades.
For many years, the family cultivated vineyards and sold grapes to other producers.
That changed when Nadia Curto encouraged her father, Marco, to begin bottling wines under the family name.
Determined to elevate the estate's potential, Nadia studied winemaking under the guidance of her uncle, Elio Altare, one of the influential figures in modern Barolo.
Her experience helped shape a philosophy that combines respect for Piedmontese tradition with modern techniques designed to enhance fruit expression and refine tannins.
Today, Nadia oversees winemaking while continuing the family's deep connection to its vineyards.
Her wines are admired for their aromatic complexity, balance, and distinctive expression of Nebbiolo.
Organic Farming and Thoughtful Winemaking
Nadia Curto approaches winemaking with an emphasis on vineyard health, minimal intervention, and the natural expression of the grapes.
The estate follows organic farming practices, although the importer describes the vineyards as not certified organic.
Grapes are hand-harvested, and the winery emphasizes native yeast fermentation and careful cellar practices.
Nadia's approach blends traditional methods with modern techniques, including shorter fermentation designed to preserve fruit character while moderating Nebbiolo's naturally firm tannins.
The resulting wines retain Barolo's characteristic structure and aging potential while offering remarkable aromatic expression and elegance.
According to the importer's technical information, Arborina is produced without conventional fining or filtration.
The 2018 Vintage — Elegance and Approachability
The 2018 vintage in Barolo produced wines with varied expressions across the appellation, with many successful examples emphasizing perfume, freshness, and elegance.
In La Morra, the vintage offers an appealing opportunity to enjoy Nebbiolo's aromatic complexity and refined structure.
Curto's 2018 Arborina demonstrates these qualities through its expressive red fruit, floral aromatics, earthy nuances, and polished tannins.
The wine's balance makes it an attractive choice for enjoyment today, while its structure offers potential for further development with appropriate cellaring.
Food Pairing — Classic Piedmontese Cuisine
Barolo is one of Italy's great food wines, and Curto Arborina is especially well suited to rich, savory dishes.
Recommended pairings include:
For a traditional pairing, enjoy this Barolo with truffle pasta, mushroom risotto, or slow-braised beef.
Serving and Cellaring
Serving Temperature: 60–64°F (16–18°C).
Decanting for approximately 45–60 minutes may help reveal additional aromatic complexity.
The 2018 Arborina is entering an appealing stage of maturity, offering expressive fruit and increasingly integrated tannins.
Properly stored bottles may continue developing additional earthy, floral, and savory complexity over the coming years.
Wine Details
| Attribute |
Details |
| Producer |
Cantina Curto / Nadia Curto |
| Wine |
Barolo Arborina |
| Vintage |
2018 |
| Country |
Italy |
| Region |
Piedmont |
| Wine Region |
Langhe |
| Appellation |
Barolo DOCG |
| Commune |
La Morra |
| Vineyard |
Arborina |
| Grape Variety |
100% Nebbiolo |
| Wine Style |
Dry red wine |
| Vineyard Area |
Approximately 1.5 hectares |
| Vineyard Elevation |
Approximately 270–300 meters |
| Soils |
Clay-rich marl |
| Farming |
Organic practices, non-certified |
| Harvest |
Hand-harvested |
| Winemaker |
Nadia Curto |
| Critic Rating |
16.5/20 Jancis Robinson |
| Bottle Size |
750ml |
Why You'll Love It
Curto 2018 Barolo Arborina is a distinctive expression of one of Piedmont's most celebrated single-vineyard sites.
Produced by Nadia Curto, a talented second-generation winemaker with deep family roots in La Morra, this elegant Barolo delivers the richness, aromatic complexity, and refined structure that make Nebbiolo one of the world's great red wine grapes.
Its beautiful balance of ripe red fruit, floral perfume, earthy spice, and polished tannins makes it an excellent choice for collectors and enthusiasts seeking authentic, small-production Barolo.
Discover Curto 2018 Barolo Arborina DOCG at MyWinePlus.com.
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