chee-a-bott bair-ton “… old vine Nebbiolo, Barbera and Dolcetto
Sister and brother Paola and Marco Oberto took over management of this wonderful property in the heart of La Morra in 1990 and began to make their own wines after their dad Luigi had been selling the grapes to others for decades.
These are classic La Morra’s made from meticulously cared for old vines. Grapes are picked in small baskets to preserve quality. The Dolcetto, Barbera and the Nebbiolos are layered and intriguing, and exhibit the commune’s characteristic rich and silky generosity. While it is great to see these varieties taking off in Australia, we are yet to see anything as good as these - the 'real thing'. Even after taking price into consideration.
Two Barolo's are made and we are pleased to offer both.
Left: Marco Oberto with the 50 year old Barbera d'Alba vines, Bricco San Biagio vineyard.
A very special single vineyard (Rutuin) Dolcetto. Yields are very low from the 50+ year old vines. This results in a dry red (made from the Dolcetto grape) of extraordinary structure and colour with intense fruity perfumes. Beautiful.
This wine is made from old vines in the Barolo zone of Piedmont, north east Italy. It has the classic Barbera combo of dark plum and berries with the lush, juicy and shapely drying flavours. A great mid-point between the easy drinking Dolcetto and the more palate and intellectually challenging Barolo/Nebbiolo.
‘Beginners Barolo’ if you like; a fascinating complex and unique Nebbiolo, but in a softer and more juicy, more approachable style than Barolo. A modern style from the Capalot vineyard, Langhe. Aged one year in Slavonian oak. This is really good!
Rated one of TOP 12 Italian Wines under $50 - Gourmet Traveller April/May 2010
Sourced from the highly prized 60 year old Barbera vines in the south facing Bricco San Biagio vineyard. Without a doubt, this is top-tier Barbera. The grapes are hand-picked at optimal ripeness to produce a wine of good concentration. 12 months aging in French oak adds further complexity and structure. Just the right amount of acidity to ensure complex flavours feel like they dance on the pallet for ages.
Ciabot Berton Barolo 2003, Piemonte, Italy
This is ‘normale’ Barolo, all from the one commune, all Nebbiolo, but blended from three different vineyards. After a traditionally long period of maceration, the wine has been aged for two years in Slavonian oak barrels. "This is layered and very pretty, with plum and toasty oak character. Full-bodied, with velvety tannins and a long finish." Wine Spectator.
This is an excellent Barolo from a single low yield vineyard, Roggeri. "Complex aromas of tar, rose, strawberry and light earth follow through to a full body, with a dense core of fruit and silky, refined and racy tannins. Balanced and beautiful already. Best after 2011. 500 cases made." Wine Spectator 92 points.In contrast to the standard 'Barolo' wine, this is aged in French oak - a perfect match for this vineyard.
Ciabot Berton Barolo 2001, Piemonte, Italy
Cellar Release
This is ‘normale’ Barolo, all from the one commune, all Nebbiolo, but blended from different parts. It is generous and opens to show the famous characters of dried roses and herbs, fennel seed, chocolate, mushroom, raisins…and more! After a traditionally long period of maceration, the wine has been aged for two years in large Slavonian oak barrels. Now with some age it is drinking better than ever.
This is great Barolo from a single great low yield vineyard, Roggeri. A generous La Morra wine which opens up to show the famous characters of dried roses, fennel seed and herbs, chocolate, mushroom and raisins – and more! In contrast to the standard 'Barolo' wine, this is aged in French oak producing a modern softer style of Barolo.
