If you should visit La Morra, there are two locations you shouldnt miss, both perched on the top of this Langhe hill. One is the stunning view from the top of the town with sweeping views of Barolo DOCG, and the other, on the main square, is the Marcarini winery that dates back to the 1700s. Lasarin is produced from the grapes of the youngest Nebbiolo-Barolo vineyards and, in particular, from the ancient Nebbiolo vineyard in the Roero region (on the left side of the Tanaro river), uniting the grapes noble heritage with enjoyable freshness and easy drinking. The nose recalls flowers, raspberries and blackberries; in the mouth it is dry, balanced, velvety and enjoyably tannic, a legacy of the noble Nebbiolo grape.

Casa Maté is the more masculine of Grassos two regular Barolos, showing darker fruit, more tar and a more robust tannin profile. The fruit comes from a south-facing 3 ha plot within the Ginestra vineyard, 300-350 meters above sea level, on relatively loose-packed, slightly clayey, calcareous soil. Driven by rigorous attention to detail in the vineyard and picking at optimum phenolic maturity, Grassos Vigna Casa Maté is a contemporary expression of traditional Barolo underscored by immaculate winemaking. The wine is fermented in stainless steel and typically spends 30 days on skins followed by 30 months maturation in 2500L Slavonian oak casks.

Elvio Cogno Vigna Elena Riserva Barolo The first vineyard planted by Cogno, on lighter sandier soils within Ravera. It is named after maker Valter Fissores daughter. Today it is a cult wine, prized among regional aficionados for alluring floral aromas, an intensity of flavour and a lattice of bracing tannins juxtaposed against a chiaroscuro of supple herbal notes, a winning finesse and a lightish hue. This is because Riserva Elena is crafted with the rare Nebbiolo sub-variety Rosé, one of but three permitted in the region. This strongly supports the oft-referenced affinity between Nebbiolo and Pinot Noir; great Barolo and Burgundy. 'the estate of Elvio Cogno has unequivocally thrust itself into the pantheon of top Barolo makers.'Ned Goodwin MW Shop Elvio Cogno

CA DEL BAIO Barbaresco Cru Asili For four generations, the Grasso family has quietly made a name for themselves in the Barbaresco region, stretching back to the late 1800s when Giuseppe Grasso moved from Calosso in the Asti region to Treiso. The Barbaresco Cru Asili displays an intense aroma, with fruity perfumes of morello cherry and floral violet. The palate imparts spicy notes of tar, black pepper, and licorice and reveals a velvety, rich texture. Iron, herbs and tobacco add depth to the lingering finish.

GAJA Sito Moresco, Langhe Fruit is sourced predominantly from Pajorè in Treiso and in Serralunga, with eastern and western exposure and rich soils laden with limestone. Fermented and aged in stainless steel tanks and oak casks, the Sito Moresco combines the complexity of Nebbiolo with the roundness of Barbera and the body of Merlot. Elegant, fruity and balanced, the wine has a refined bouquet of small red fruits with smooth tannins and a lingering finish.

Grape grower Natale Seghesio is known as 'il Poeta' ('the Poet') to his friends. Not only for his lyrical compositions (featured on the label), but also for the intensely flavoured produce of his vines, growing in the premium Piedmont hills. Talented winemaker Paolo Sartirano snaps up Natale's grapes every year, taking them to his family's cellar. Founded in 1871, this cellar is now 150 years old and today in the hands of the fourth generation. Paolo has crafted Il Poeta to be a truly poetical expression of the finest Nebbiolo. Three years ageing in oak ensures the fruit marries perfectly with silky, toasted spice character. Deeply flavoured and complex, the wine is best opened early and decanted. Serve in large glasses with hearty dishes.

Michele Chiarlo was founded in 1956 by the sole and present owners, Michele and Giuseppina Chiarlo. Son of over seven generations of esteemed wine growers, Michele is today one of the most respected producers of the fine wines of Piedmont and a leading figure in its viticultural industry. Asili is a relatively new cru within the Barbaresco DOCG. It is said that the blue-grey calcareous marl and clay here contribute to the complexity of the wines here, along with their delicate and refined characters. Delicately perfumed, with characters of pure red fruits and gently aromatic, floral notes, supported by fine spices. Silky tannins frame a core of red berry fruits. Extremely charming, elegant and approachable.

Roberto Voerzio Fossati Barolo The Fossati is a descentdaent of the Fossati Case Nere 10 Anni Riserva. This wine offers a dual education in the power and robustness of relatively younger vineyard Barolo (it is more Barolo than La Morra) and the lamentable predictability of Italian bureaucratic nonsense. Owing to a change in the regulations, Roberto Voerzio had to change tack from his doppio cru reserve Barolo, known as Fossati Case Nere, as producers can only put the name of the winery, the region, sub-region or the particular cru on the label. You might think this is a reasonable stipulation, and, in truth, it is. What was so predictably lamentable is that it took so long. Now Roberto keeps the Case Nere for his Riserva and the Fossati for the Young Turk of Barolo that we may enjoy now. The 2015 was the first vintage of this wine.

This wine was made in 2011 and 2012 but not in 2013. The 2014 Barolo Falletto (white label) is fascinating to taste right after the Barbaresco Riserva Asili from the same vintage. There is no doubting the extra muscle mass and power that is obtained in the Barolo appellation, and from the Serralunga dAlba township specifically. This dramatic Barolo delivers darkness and density. It shows a beautiful appearance with faint highlights of dark ruby that add a subtle sparkle. At this point in its drinking cycle, the wine shows all the characteristic traits of its youth. This means it is more closed and rigid at present. That nervous tightness needs to be factored in when assessing the cellar longevity of this vintage. Hints of the wines inner complexity, sheer determination and textural fortitude are already bubbling up from deep inside this firmly layered Nebbiolo. I wanted to mention the tightness of the tannins now. These will undoubtedly serve to carry this wine forward over the coming decades. *95 points*, The Wine Advocate Monica Larner