Barolo

Barolo Paesi Tuoi was named after Cesare Pavese's 1941 novel "Among Peasants". Dark shining ruby red. Wide, warm scent of sour cherries, forest fruits, leather and mint. In the expressive taste harmoniously engaging with clear fruit and silky tannins. A cleanly vinified, mature Barolo with potential. SUPERIORE.DE

"Open-hearted shimmering brick red with a ruby red core. In the bouquet of ripe plums and black elderberries, lavender and mint, also a little earthy on the nose. Builds up pleasantly, shows finely woven tannin, full-bodied with good melting, compact, harmonious finish." Falstaff

"Sweet cherries and strawberries with flowers and citrus on the nose. It’s medium-to full-bodied with tannins that grow on the palate. Yet, they are balanced and refined. Give this a year or two to come together and soften slightly. Try after 2023." James Suckling

The Nebbiolo grapes of Matteo's entry-level Barolo come from his three vineyards Serralunga d'Alba, La Morra and Verduno. Bright garnet red. Precisely balanced bouquet of wild berries, rose petals and beautiful herbal spice. On the palate, bright acidity, perfectly integrated tannins and a beautifully developed primary fruit. Already very accessible when young, it will nevertheless increase in complexity with the years. Excellent value! SUPERIORE.DE

"This Barolo represents a blend of fruit from Serralunga d'Alba, La Morra and Verduno, so you get a bit of structure, freshness and floral intensity, all in that order. The Ascheri 2017 Barolo is a dark and sultry expression with dark cherry and plum, followed by tilled earth and light spice. That characteristic 2017 tannin does come through, and you are best off giving this wine more time to age. Because Matteo Ascheri skipped over his cru expression in 2017 (Sorano, Coste & Bricco, Ascheri and Pisapola), you'll find that fruit blended in this wine instead." Robert Parker

"Raspberries and redcurrants on the nose, colored by sweet herbs. Full, round and fruity with tannins that have almost sunk without a trace mid-palate, but put in an appearance right at the end. Drinkable now, but best from 2022." James Suckling

"Blue flower, truffle and ripe berry aromas form the inviting nose along with a whiff of camphor. Smooth and savory, the full-bodied palate delivers raspberry compote, ripe Morello cherry and baking spice alongside tightly woven, polished tannins." Wine Enthusiast

A wonderful creature is the Barolo 2017 from Batasiolo. Sophisticated scent of leather and liquorice, dried flowers and undergrowth. Straightforward, the round flavour that corresponds to the scent follows its way into the persistent final. SUPERIORE.DE

"Clear shimmering garnet red with light red accents. At first smell animalistic hints, then spicy leather components and ripe plum, damp brick in the aftertaste. Enters the palate powerfully, present and youthful in tannin, very spicy, with plenty of grip and backbone, then minimally drying on the final." Falstaff

"Lots of spicy red-fruit character here. Very ripe fruit. Hints of cedro rind, roses and a tinge of black truffle. Medium-to full-bodied with very fine and tightly packed tannins. The complex fruit character endures through the long finish. Very Barolo. Very good. Hold at least until after 2022. This will age nicely." James Suckling

Barolo Essenze is made from a grape collection from six different vineyards: Bussia in Monforte, Annunziata in La Morra, Ravera in Novello, La Volta in Barolo, Scarrone in Castiglione Falletto and Gianetto in Serralunga. The wine shows a flawless ruby red and a bouquet with diverse aromas of liquorice and toasted notes. The taste is confident and lush with noble tannins on the final. SUPERIORE.DE

"Bright cherry red with a dark core. Inviting aroma of lavender and ripe cherries, forest floor and pink pepper on the nose. Lively on the nose, comes on red fruit and blood, rich in tannin, fills the palate fully, powerful, clear, then again tightly meshed and long on the finish." Falstaff

"Ripe plums with berries, walnuts, leather and hints of spice. It’s full-bodied with round, chewy tannins and a juicy finish. Very tannic. Solid. Try after 2024." James Suckling

Bright ruby garnet, intense bouquet with notes of liquorice and tar, then rose scent and cherries. On the palate with very fine tannins, spicy, delicate and at the same time very rich and clear, long and balsamic in the final. SUPERIORE.DE

"Just mid ruby. A subtle, balsamic, lifted nose that is a little closed and with savoury, minerally notes. Opens up with aeration to pure cherry fruit. Focused, concentrated cherry fruit with a rich layer of intense, powdery tannins. Very elegant, with real freshness and concentration at the same time." Jancis Robinson

"The 2017 Barolo Cascina Nuova is an attractive wine to drink now and over the next decade or so. Bright red-toned fruit, crushed rose petal and mint open in the glass." Vinous

"The 1.5-hectare Cascina Nuova lies at 380 metres above sea level. This wine is fermented in temperature controlled stainless steel tanks, then aged in Slavonian oak for at least 24 months. Bright garnet in the glass, tantalising blood orange aromas with peppery spice and subdued floral hints emerge. Soft, almost silky tannins give this a relatively light and approachable structure, sustained by crisp acidity and good length of fruit. It will develop complexity and more savouriness with bottle ageing." Decanter

"This wine is a sure bet from Elvio Cogno and such a steal. The 2017 Barolo Cascina Nuova delivers ample intensity and power. In this regard, it keeps faithfully in line with the expectations of a hot vintage that rendered more concentrated and sweeter fruit. However, the expert winemaking team at this estate has been able to manage any excesses or hints of over-ripeness." Robert Parker

"Attractive dried strawberry with cherry and tar on the nose. Full-bodied with powerful tannins that are dusty and intense. Very flavorful and long. Solid as a rock." James Suckling

Clerico's Barolo del Comune di Monforte d'Alba shows all the appeal of which this high altitude site is capable. Sweet macerated cherry, mint, spices, orange peel and raspberries linger on the persistent, slightly vibrant and agile finish. SUPERIORE.DE

"Just mid ruby. Perfumed and concentrated with soft, complex oak and a peppery edge. Succulent, ripe and gentle with long powdery tannins. Elegant and lively and long with real bite." Jancis Robinson

"Tight and focused on the nose with clean red berries and oak. Expands a little on the medium-to full-bodied palate, but still rather closed, with an elegant framework of very fine, lightly firm tannin and a dense core of fruit. The balance of fruit and tannin already gives a long finish. Needs to unravel a bit, but the essential ingredients are very fine indeed. Try from 2024." James Suckling

The Barolo del Comune di Serralunga d'Alba is the most accessible of Luigi Baudana's three Baroli. Precise fruit with wonderful tones of black cherry, plum and cassis. The intensity of the characteristic Nebbiolo liquorice and cola takes a back seat in this wine as the dark fruit is the leading force. This vintage brings the acidity and natural structure to carry the wine for 10 years or more. And so it is not surprising that this Barolo needs a few more years to develop its full class and finesse. SUPERIORE.DE

"The Luigi Baudana 2017 Barolo del Comune di Serralunga d'Alba reveals a robust and fruit-forward bouquet, with pressed blackberry and plum, followed by licorice, iron ore and some of the candied orange aromas that often come with fruit from Serralunga d'Alba. The wine is tight in terms of structure, and you feel its strength, but ultimately the sensations are polished and smooth. There are no rough edges to these well-managed tannins, and this is especially impressive in an unruly vintage such as 2017." Robert Parker

"The 2017 Barolo del Comune di Serralunga d'Alba may very well turn out to be one of the best wines of the year in its peer group. Dark and wonderfully expressive, yet also light on its feet for a Serralunga Barolo, the 2017 has so much going on. Black cherry, plum, spice, gravel, cured meats, lavender and sage all meld together in this dark yet translucent Barolo." Vinous

"A bright, cherry- and strawberry-infused red, with details of rose, eucalyptus and mineral. Linear in profile, firmly structured and ends with mineral and spice accents." Wine Spectator

Bright ruby garnet. Supple and expressive on the palate with sweet red cherries, blood orange, mint, wild flowers, cedar, sweet tobacco and anise. Very fine tannins on the palate, spicy, delicate and at the same time very rich and clear, long and balsamic on the final. Every year, Cascina Nuova is a prime example that excellent Barolos can be produced at moderate prices. SUPERIORE.DE

"Lustrous mid ruby. Floral and precise raspberry nose underpinned by concentrated sour cherry. Real finesse on the nose. Full, perfectly ripe sour-cherry palate. Crunchy tannins reined in by the fruit on the finish. Truly fine." Jancis Robinson

"Enticing aromas of red berries, citrus fruit and flowers follow through to a bright, silky palate with medium body and very fine tannins. Lacks a bit of body this year, but it’s bright, balanced and well focused." James Suckling

Prunotto's Barolo is a very beautiful, ethereal wine. Rose petals, spices, blood orange, mint and crushed red berry fruit keep it firmly grounded. Saturated in the drink and rich in dark aromas, firmly connected with spices, liquorice and crushed blue flowers. There is power and richness deep inside this wine, the well-proportioned tannin is fresh and firm, giving it energy and drive. SUPERIORE.DE

Barolo Albe comes from the three parcels Fossati, Castello della Volta and Costa di Vergne. Brilliant and finely shaped on the palate, expressive floral notes merge with bright red fruits, mint and ground berries to create a lively and distinctive Barolo that is endowed with pure energy and class. It is juicy and fruity and a clear buy not only because of its comparatively moderate price! SUPERIORE.DE

"Wonderfully clear and precise, delighting with abundant charming fruit, balanced and with velvety tannin, plus delicate spice and a salty earthy note on the finish, animating at every stage and also a little demanding." Weinwisser

"Translucent ruby. Edgy, tarry nose that's very ethereal. Tannic grip and quite a bit of heat on the way there. Floats on the palate – it's certainly not heavy, and has quite enough freshness. Long and relatively open." Jancis Robinson

"Sweet, charming, and attractive with fresh and youthful aromas. Great mid-palate concentration. Multi-layered and meaty with a velvety texture." Decanter

"The 2017 Barolo Albe is exquisite. Bright and beautifully lifted, the 2017 Albe is a wine of pure and total pleasure. All the elements come together so gracefully. Crushed flowers, red berries, mint, cinnamon and lavender are some of the many notes that open in the glass. The 2017 is so nicely done in the way it captures the radiance of the year and the classicism that runs through all these wines. Vineyard sites are Fossati, Costa di Vergne and Le Volte." Vinous

"Fresh and floral aromas with plum, orange peel and some cedar follow through to a medium body with fine tannins and a fresh finish. Very drinkable now, but will improve with age." James Suckling

"Red berry, rose and camphor aromas waft out of the glass. Tangy and delicious, the smooth, full-bodied palate doles out ripe Marasca cherry, fleshy raspberry and hints of ground baking spice framed in taut, polished tannins. It's already accessible but also has good midterm aging potential." Wine Enthusiast

"This is one of the most accessible and trustworthy wines you can buy from Piedmont. Keeping in line with past vintages, the G.D. Vajra 2017 Barolo Albe opens to medium concentration and a very expressive or fruit-forward bouquet. This hot-climate 2017 edition shows a little more ripeness and roundness as is to be expected, but these results are a safe bet nonetheless. Cherry and raspberry aromas are followed by blue flower and pressed violets. Set this bottle aside for medium or long-term drinking." Robert Parker

Brilliant ruby red, a fully ripe berry bouquet on the nose with warm spice, mushroom and cocoa notes. Rich and juicy on the palate with sweet oak and lush fruit. Ravera Riserva leads to a firm finish, in which the ripe fruit and a polished tannin show again. SUPERIORE.DE

"Dark shining ruby red with a sparkling core. In the nose delicate plum, fine earthy tone, a hint of fumé, after some time fine cherry and delicate fleshy nuances. On the palate with tight tannin and a juicy, salty fruit core, showing fine balance between acidity and tannin, with pressure, coherent in itself with an elegant finish." Falstaff

"Ripe nose of sweet red fruit, cake, and spicy nutmeg with notes of oak present on the palate. Intense acidity with layers of forest floor black fruits on the finish." Decanter

"Full-bodied, round and robust with rich, ripe red berries, together with notes of earth. The tannins are slowly melding into the wine. Well structured. The center palate should gain further interest after at least another two years. But a long life ahead of this. Try from 2023." James Suckling

Essenze Barolo Riserva is vinified only in the best vintages. It is a blend of the best grapes from the vineyards of the Comune del Barolo. Ethereal scent, some forest earth, tar, tobacco and spices. A wonderfully balanced Barolo with fine acid and tannin structure and beautiful fruit component - completely in the style of the house and made for a long life! SUPERIORE.DE

"A robust wine, powerful, also muscular with grippy tannin and many exciting facets. In the fragrance fresh blackberry and cranberry with a pinch of liquorice powder, plus the typical scent of forest floor and dried mushrooms. The veil of tannin under which young Barolo lies has already lifted somewhat." Jens Priewe

"Dark shining ruby red with delicately brightening rim. In the nose slightly balsamic with dark berry fruit and mild leather, in the reverberation after noble mushrooms and undergrowth. Opens on the palate with elegant melting and great density, balanced between tannin, acidity and fruit, spans a coordinated arc, pithy final." Falstaff

Giulia Negri would certainly not have the nickname "Barolo Girl" if this wine did not exist. The grapes for this archetype of a modern-traditional (sic!) Barolo come from the top vineyards Brunate and Serradenari, the latter at an altitude of up to 520 m and the soils are loamy-sandy. The grapes are fermented spontaneously and then the actual ageing takes place in large oak barrels. Barriques? Not at all.

Strong light ruby red. Rose petals, nutty notes and small red berries on the nose. The fine fragrance continues on the palate: even though it does not deny its origin and also the grape variety, it has an almost unique elegance and freshness that allows it to be identified as a lively and completely complete top wine even when young. Further years of maturity are certainly not a mistake, because one can impressively feel how the complexity that increases with age joins the finesse and elegance that are already unmistakable today. One bottle for now and don't put the rest too far away in the cellar, please! SUPERIORE.DE

Brilliant and finely shaped on the palate. Expressive, floral notes merge with bright red fruits, mint and ground berries to create a lively and distinctive Barolo that is endowed with pure energy and class. Albe is juicy and fruity and a clear buy not only because of its comparatively moderate price. It comes from the three plots Fossati, Castello della Volta and Costa di Vergne. SUPERIORE.DE

"Just mid ruby and healthy looking. Spicy and stony raspberry and cherry fruit that is lively and with notes of red fruit. The fruit becomes more concentrated the longer it sits in the glass. Supple and gentle fruit palate with crunchy tannins. Long and with a certain leggerezza. Filigree and at the same time intense." Jancis Robinson

"Aromas of ripe raspberries and dark spice follow through to a medium-to full-bodied palate, with some fine, fruit and spice-coated tannin and a medium finish that firms up at the end." James Suckling

The Barolo del Comune di Serralunga d'Alba is the most accessible of Luigi Baudana's three Baroli. Precise fruit with wonderful tones of black cherry, plum and cassis. The intensity of the characteristic Nebbiolo liquorice and cola takes a back seat in this wine as the dark fruit is the leading force. This vintage brings the acidity and natural structure to carry the wine for 10 years or more. And so it is not surprising that this Barolo needs a few more years to develop its full class and finesse. SUPERIORE.DE

"Pretty relaxed up front, with juicy blackberry aromas. Medium-bodied palate, where the fine tannins pick up the more brambly aspect of the fruit and produce a good, tight drive. Nicely focused." James Suckling

"The 2018 Barolo del Comune di Serralunga d'Alba is redolent of savory and ferrous notes woven into a core of dried red cherry fruit. Spice, mint and tobacco develop later, adding pretty shades of nuance. Readers will find a super-classic Serralunga Barolo, but one that won't need more than a few years to be at its best." Vinous

Giulia Negri would certainly not have the nickname "Barolo girl" if this wine did not exist. The grapes for this archetype of a modern-traditional (sic!) Barolo come from the top vineyards Brunate and Serradenari, the latter is located at an altitude of up to 520 m, and the soils are clayey-sandy. The grapes are fermented spontaneously and then the actual maturation takes place in large oak barrels. Barriques? Not at all.

Strong bright ruby red. In the fragrance rose petals, nutty notes and small red berries. The fine fragrance continues on the palate: even if it does not deny its origin and also the grape variety, it is of an almost unique elegance and freshness that allows it to be identified as a lively and completely complete top wine even when young. Further years of maturity are certainly not a mistake, because one feels impressively how the complexity increasing with the age joins the finesse and elegance already unmistakable today. One bottle for now and don't put the rest too far away in the cellar, please! SUPERIORE.DE

"The Giulia Negri 2016 Barolo La Tartufaia is a light to mid-weight expression with delicate touches of cassis, dried berry, violets and rose petal. There are earthy tones as well that slowly segue to tobacco and light spice. All said and done, the mouthfeel is light considering the power of this classic vintage, but the wine is accessible and approachable from the get-go." Robert Parker

"Menthol and eucalyptus aromas outline the strawberry, cherry and rose flavors in this sleek red. It's firm and lively, with moderate grip on the lightly chewy, iron-tinged finish." Wine Spectator

The grapes for the garnet red Cerequio grow in La Morra. The bouquet is unmistakably balsamic, with fresh flowers, blackberries, dried mushrooms, spicy notes and the memory of incense and some tree bark. On the palate, the delicate fruitiness harmonizes with a subtle aroma of tobacco and coffee. Firm tannin, good acidity, elegant and balanced. SUPERIORE.DE

"Aromas of red berry, forest floor, rose petal and leather lead the nose. The structured, balanced palate offers red cherry, white pepper, clove and a hint of truffle alongside fine-grained tannins and bright acidity." Wine Enthusiast

"The lavender, light tar and ripe-strawberry aromas are really beautiful. Medium-to full-bodied with chewy yet refined tannins. Focused and flavorful." James Suckling

Batasiolos Bussia comes from the Bofani vineyard in Monforte d'Alba. A Barolo in classic style with the exceptionally high quality of the 2016 vintage, which promises a long development. Complex aromas, crisp fruit, robust acidity and firm tannins form a structured, harmonious impression. SUPERIORE.DE

"Toasty raspberry nose. Very rich and concentrated, with admirable depth of fruit and grip. Evidently youthful, but has power and intensity. The firm tannins give ample structure and this will go the distance. Long, chocolatey finish." Decanter

Barolo Vigneto Garretti smells invitingly floral of small, white flowers, berries and spices. On the palate, freshness, medium body and firm tannins, one senses the great potential. Barolo Garretti is a wine from the slopes of the La Spinetta estate in Grinzane Cavour. Previously, these grapes were used in the Barolo Campé. SUPERIORE.DE

"With a lion on its front label to represent Barolo, the "King of Wines," the La Spinetta 2017 Barolo Garretti is a wine of depth, dark fruit and concentration. This vintage delivers power and lots of momentum that you feel in the weight of the fruit, the aromatic intensity and the structure. The wine's alcohol measures 14.5%, and that, too, contributes to the overall brawn and muscle. This appears very youthful and still nervous, so put it aside in your cellar for best results." Robert Parker

"Lots of dried roses with stems to the strawberry and cherry character. It’s full-bodied and chewy with lots of fruit and wood tannins that pucker your mouth now. But it should come around nicely with bottle age. Try after 2023." James Suckling

Barolo Brunate, cru from La Morra, shows the characteristic strength and definition of its terroir. The dark fruit is covered with chocolate and exotic spices, firm tannins and fine oak wood nuances together with the tight acid wire give length and longevity. SUPERIORE.DE

"Scents of raspberries and crystallised fruit. Palate is ripe and rich with fine and full tannins; great ageing potential." Decanter

"The Beni di Batasiolo 2016 Barolo Brunate offers a hint of ripe fruit with an open-knit or immediately welcoming approach. There is dark currant and cassis, followed by spice, earthy tones and a whisper of black truffle. In addition to that full-spectrum bouquet, this wine delivers solid fruit weight and concentration. The finish is long and driven by silky tannins." Robert Parker

"Complex and decadent with ripe strawberries, smoke and lavender. Some burnt-orange undertones. Full-bodied, tight and chewy with lots of tannins. Needs time to soften and open." James Suckling

Barolo Castiglione is the best value of the house's five Barolos and impressively demonstrates Vietti's high level. It begins its grand entrance with dense aromas of dried cherries, plums and tar and then adds notes of white flowers and spices. Mineral shades and memories of smoked meat follow. On the palate, equally layered and complex, the silky tannins grippy. Even in its younger years, it has a fine fruit and finesse that identifies it as one of the outstanding representatives of the appellation. SUPERIORE.DE

"The 2017 Barolo Castiglione is a wild, exotic wine. Super-ripe red cherry, kirsch, cinnamon, tobacco, new leather and rose petal all flesh out in this ample, voluptuous Barolo from Vietti. The 2017 is a wine of significant heft hidden behind a wall of tannin. Give it a few years to soften or open it well in advance. Time brings out striking translucence as well as finesse." Vinous

"This is one of the most versatile wines to emerge from Italy in recent years. A bread and butter winner for Vietti, the 2017 Barolo Castiglione is sharply contoured and bright, with an excellent quality of fruit that can be described as crisp, tonic and rich. That extra concentration comes in part from the hot vintage; however, the greater Castiglione growing area delivers consistent quality and persistence above all else." Robert Parker

"There's such purity of fruit to this with both dried and ripe strawberries and citrus rind. It's full-bodied and structured with layers of ripe tannins that are fine and polished. Tight at the end. Give this two or three years to open and soften." James Suckling

The grapes for the garnet red Cerequio grow in La Morra. The bouquet is unmistakably balsamic, with fresh flowers, blackberries, dried mushrooms, spicy notes and the memory of incense and some tree bark. On the palate, the delicate fruitiness harmonizes with a subtle aroma of tobacco and coffee. Firm tannin, good acidity, but focused, elegant and balanced. SUPERIORE.DE

"Perfumed and very pretty with aromas of ripe strawberries, dried flowers and sandalwood that follow through to a full-bodied, tight and compact palate. Give it a year or two to open, but already impressive." James Suckling

"Pure and fragrant nose with floral notes and sweet red berries. Palate has a richness to it with fine texture; tannins are full and fine beneath layers of complexity. This is a lovely drink. Captivating." Decanter

Boscareto from Serralunga d'Alba smells intensely of leather and liquorice, dried flowers and undergrowth, straightforwardly the round, fragrant taste follows its way into the persistent final. SUPERIORE.DE

"Beni di Batasiolo makes two top-end single-vineyard Baroli, and the 2016 Barolo Boscareto is one of those. This wine sees fruit from Serralunga d'Alba and therefore represents the bolder and more powerful of the two. But in all honesty, the differences are minimal, especially in a vintage such as 2016 that so successfully brings out the purity of the fruit across all vineyard sites." Robert Parker

"Savoury nose with baked earth and blackberry fruit. Palate is extracted, with a core of sweetness and a rasp of tannin. Long finish." Decanter

"Aromas of flowers, cedar, strawberries and chocolate follow through to a full body, with a solid core of fruit and tannins and a chewy finish. Needs time to soften." James Suckling

Full bouquet of dark fruits, spices, tar, smoke and wild mushrooms. Powerful on the palate with lots of berry fruit, nice inner sweetness and considerable acid wire, classic grippy tannins and a rich, long finish. SUPERIORE.DE

"Very bright red-flower aromas with fresh notes of orange zest and chamomile. The palate has a succulent, bright and juicy core of bright red-cherry flavor, fine and succulent tannins and a pure, fresh finish." James Suckling

"The 2015 Barolo Bussia is a very pretty, effusive wine that will drink well right out of the gate. Spice and floral notes open first. Silky and pliant, with lovely depth, the 2015 is so expressive today. Fine mineral notes extend the finish effortlessly while adding freshness and cut to balance the open-knit fruit. Readers looking for a Barolo to drink now will find so much to admire in the 2015 Bussia." Vinous

"The 2015 Barolo Bussia offers a deeper level of identity, grit and structure compared to the estate's Barolo from San Giusepppe. This wine reveals a tight inner core of fruit with lovely contours of spice, leather, tar, licorice and dried violets. You get a clean sense of the grape without too many bells or whistles. The finish is elegant and fine. Pair it with an authentic tajarin and white truffle shavings." Robert Parker

"A sleek red, displaying cherry, strawberry, floral, earth and tobacco flavors. Starts out with a fleshy feel, firming up as this winds down on the finish. Balanced and refreshing, lingering with earth, tobacco and spice notes in the end." Wine Spectator