Vintage Character 2021 Margherita Otto Barolo DOCG comes from the Barolo appellation in Piedmont and is a classic multi-village Nebbiolo, drawn from sites in communes including Monforte d'Alba, Serralunga d'Alba and Castiglione Falletto. The 2021 vintage is widely regarded as a strong one in Barolo, with a long growing season and marked day-night shifts that helped Nebbiolo achieve both aromatic lift and firm, refined structure. This origin is distinctive for its blend of calcareous marl and sandstone-derived soils across different exposures, giving the wine both perfume and architectural tension rather than the narrower profile of a single-cru expression.
Tasting Profile & Food Pairing The Wine Advocate awarded this wine 95 points, and the style fits that praise: the nose opens on red cherry, crushed raspberry, rose petal and blood orange, followed by anise, mint and a lightly earthy, tarry nuance. On the palate it is full-bodied yet lifted, with Nebbiolo’s hallmark high acidity and assertive but polished tannins carrying flavors of wild strawberry, licorice and savory spice into a long, mineral finish. Pair it with braised veal shank, porcini risotto, or Peking duck for a bottle that thrives at the table.
Winery Background Margherita Otto is the project of Alan Manley, an American-born grower-winemaker who trained in Barolo and built his cellar in Monforte d'Alba around a deeply traditional philosophy. The estate is known for hand-harvesting, gentle handling, long macerations and aging in large Slavonian oak botti, a regimen designed to preserve transparency of site and vintage rather than emphasize oak signature. Especially distinctive is Manley’s commitment to the historic art of blending fruit from several top Barolo villages, creating a wine that aims for completeness, balance and age-worthy classicism in the old-school mold.