Antinori - Prunotto : Occhetti 2021

Characteristics and tasting advice for the Occhetti 2021 by Antinori - Prunotto

Tasting

Appearance

The wine displays a ruby-red color with characteristic garnet highlights, of medium intensity, expressing the finesse and elegance typical of Nebbiolo grown on the region’s sandy soils.

Nose

The nose is elegant and complex, offering aromas of raspberries alongside floral notes of rose and touches of licorice. The bouquet also reveals nuances of crushed cherries lifted by wild thyme, creating a refined and expressive aromatic profile.

Palate

The palate is broad and harmonious, with refined, generous tannins that bring structure without heaviness. It reveals a vibrant, crisp texture, with flavors of tangy raspberries that evolve into a savory finish with earthy accents. The overall impression remains delicate and elegant, supported by bright acidity that underpins the structure and promises excellent aging potential.

Food and wine pairings

This wine pairs perfectly with lamb in all its forms. Its versatility also allows it to accompany warm starters, main courses featuring white meats, as well as beef, poultry, and game such as venison or roe deer. It also matches beautifully with pasta in meat sauce, aged cheeses, and cured meats.

An elegant Nebbiolo d'Alba from the sandy hills of Piedmont

The estate

Founded in 1904 in Serralunga d'Alba in Piedmont, Prunotto was established as a cooperative before being taken over in 1923 by Alfredo Prunotto, who developed its international reputation. From 1961 onward, Beppe Colla revolutionized the region as a pioneer of single-parcel vinifications. Since 1994, the estate has belonged to the Marchesi Antinori family, under the leadership of Albiera Antinori, president of the family group. The estate farms 74 hectares across the Langhe and the Monferrato, notably on the prestigious crus Bussia, Costamiòle and Bric Turot. Prunotto stands out for its balance between Piedmontese tradition and measured innovation, producing outstanding Barolo, Barbaresco and Barbera wines that express the singularity of each terroir, with a strong commitment to sustainable viticulture.

The vineyard

The Occhetti vineyard is located in Monteu Roero, in the Roero area north of Alba, at an altitude of 250 meters. This Nebbiolo d'Alba appellation is characterized by soils made up of surface layers of sand stratified with levels of gravel and interlayers of clay and limestone. These sandy terroirs, which warm up quickly and offer excellent drainage, lend the wines a distinctive elegance, silky tannins, and a delicate aromatic expression. The region’s semi-arid climate, with warm days and cool nights, promotes optimal grape ripening while preserving freshness and aromas.

The vintage

The 2021 vintage in Piedmont began with a mild, wet winter that replenished soil water reserves. After a cool, wet start to spring in April and May, warm, dry conditions set in from early June through harvest, with only a brief heatwave in early August. Localized thunderstorms affected certain areas in early July, while modest rainfall in September helped the vines during the final ripening phase. Cool September nights preserved the grapes’ aromatic balance and acidity. The Nebbiolo harvest took place between late September and mid-October, producing structured wines with ripe tannins, combining tension and aromatic elegance.

Vinification and aging

The grapes for the Occhetti 2021 are harvested by hand in early October. After destemming and crushing, the grapes undergo maceration for about seven days at a maximum temperature of 29°C. Malolactic fermentation is completed before winter. The wine then ages for around 16 months in large Allier and Slavonian oak casks of various sizes, allowing for harmonious maturation that respects the expression of the terroir while adding structure and complexity.

Grape variety

100% Nebbiolo.