Italy — wine

Barolo DOCG

'King of Italian Wines.' Nebbiolo from 11 communes in the Langhe hills south of Alba. MGA (Menzione Geografica Aggiuntiva) system — 181 named vineyards (2010). Traditional vs Modern debate: Traditional (long maceration, old large botti) vs Modern (short maceration, French barriques). Great Crus: Cannubi, Bricco Rocche (Castiglione Falletto), Vigna Rionda/Francia (Serralunga d'Alba), Brunate/Cerequio (La Morra). Giacomo Conterno's Monfortino (single vineyard, released only in exceptional years, aged 7+ years) is Italy's most sacred wine. BC importer: La Fête du Vin [NEEDS VERIFICATION].

Year Rating Notes
2023 85 Good vintage. Normal conditions. Consistent across all major communes. Value play in nebbiolo from Langhe alongside grand Barolo.
2022 88 Warm vintage. Rich, structured wines. Serralunga and La Morra showing particular quality. Traditional producers thriving.
2021 89 Very good. Cooler year for Piemonte. Elegant, aromatic Barolo with traditional character. MGA single-vineyard wines especially impressive.
2020 87 Good. Accessible, early-drinking style. Less age-worthy than 2016/2019 but with immediate appeal. Value buys from secondary producers.
2019 93 Outstanding. Long, ideal growing season. Barolo with extraordinary balance between power and finesse. Multiple 98-100 point wines produced.
2018 90 Balanced year. Classical structure with generous fruit. Barolo showing its traditional rose, tar, and dark cherry character beautifully.
2017 91 Warm, early vintage. Dense, ripe Barolo. Less traditional but compelling. Vigna Rionda, Monfortino showing remarkable quality.
2016 97 Generational vintage. Perfectly balanced Nebbiolo with aromatic complexity, structural tannin, and extraordinary longevity. Conterno, Giacomo Conterno standout.
2015 88 Warm, dry vintage. Powerful, early-drinking Barolo with opulent fruit and round tannin. Grinzane Cavour and Serralunga standout.