After two uniquely challenging consecutive vintages, Barolo’s winegrowers were content to encounter more familiar weather patterns in 2019. Classic, conventional, traditional and even ‘normal’ were all descriptors being bandied around.
The winter was long and much drier than usual, but April’s generous rains replenished reserves. By mid-May, the cool wet conditions resulted in the growing season being two weeks behind current norms – but consistent with patterns in the past. When temperatures finally shot up in June, the well-watered soil yielded rapid growth. Summer continued with heat spikes at the end of June and again end of July. The latter concluded with intense storms followed by a period of warm rather than hot temperatures in August.
Overall, the season was reasonably stress-free – no spring frost, no prolonged drought and relatively low disease pressure – certainly less than in 2018. For example, organic producer Chiara Boschis calculated spraying 13 times in 2019 versus 18 in 2018.
“The biggest challenge was hail before harvest,” says Silvia Altare who purchased the Elio Altare estate from her parents in 2016. The worst of the storms hit on September 5th marking a path through Grinzane, Roddi, the lower reaches of Serralunga, parts of La Morra and a bit in Verduno. Fortunately, damage was localized and affected estates suffered only minor losses for the most part. At Mauro Molino in La Morra, Martina Molino estimates losing 10% production exclusively in the estate’s Bricco Luciani vineyard – a reminder that owning parcels in diverse corners of Barolo’s intricate hills is an advantage.
Crucial to defining the character and quality of the vintage is, as always, autumn. In 2019, it was dry with warm days and cool nights through to mid-October. The Barolo harvest was solidly in October with most producers picking Nebbiolo within the middle two weeks. The long growing season gave balanced ripeness of sugars and polyphenols – conferring wines well-endowed with colour and structure.
One of the wines’ signatures is contained alcohol levels. Fabio Alessandria at Burlotto attributes this in part to the brevity of June and July’s heat waves, adding: “Autumn was sunny but with lower temperatures (compared to recent years) and significant diurnal temperature ranges.” In several wines, I noted a full degree less than 2018’s counterparts, and most hover around a reasonable 14%.
pH levels are also lower in 2019 compared to 2018. This gives more succulent, refreshing acidity and greater potential for ageing.
In the inevitable comparison with other vintages, both 2013 and 2008 are repeatedly referenced. Maria Teresa Mascarello at Bartolo Mascarello explains, “In terms of the weather, 2019 was similar to 2013 – but 2013 has more tannins.” Conversely, Valter Fissore at Elvio Cogno calls the tannins of 2019 sharper.”
Some even equate it to the feted 2016 vintage. “But 2019 has more intense red fruit,” says Luca Currado, who surprised colleagues, journalists and enthusiasts alike by announcing his departure from the Vietti estate just as the new release tastings were starting in January.
In order to form my own judgement, I tried approximately 200 wines blind in January, supplemented by estate visits and tastings with producers at Vinitaly. Though 2019 is not a particularly cool vintage – it is cooler than the vintages that follow. The wines have neither the structure, flavours, nor alcohol of an excessively warm year. Instead, they can be austere with upfront youthful tannins and underlying nervous tension. The vintage offers plenty of thrilling wines, though they will need time – particularly the MGA bottlings. (Short for Menzioni Geografiche Aggiuntive – additional geographical mentions in English, MGA refer to defined subdistricts within Barolo.)
While 2019 is truly excellent, not every wine was a success. Some were marked by flaws such as excessive VA (volatile acidity) or Brettanomyces. Furthermore, not every commune was uniform in quality. My recommendations are organized by townships with further comments there. I have only included wines I tried from bottle (as opposed to unfinished cask samples) and limited the selection to one wine per estate. However, the region’s top producers should be proud of the exceptional quality throughout their range.
MULTIPLE COMMUNES
Despite the trend to bottle single MGA Barolo, producers continue to offer a Barolo from a blend of ‘cru’ as well. Often, this is made in a more approachable style and represents a lower price point with respect to the rest of the range. In 2019, you can find some great value and relatively early drinking examples from Azelia, Borgogno, Luigi Oddero and Réva.
The following should be cellared longer before approaching.
HIGHLY RECOMMENDED
Bartolo Mascarello Barolo DOCG 2019
Steadfastly counter the trend of single MGA bottlings, Maria-Teresa Mascarello continues to craft just one Barolo. It is a co-fermentation of distinct parcels – Cannubi, Ruè and Monrobiolo di Bussia in the township of Barolo and Rocche dell’Annuziata in La Morra. The 2019 is delicate, almost dainty in its expression at first. Hints of tobacco and strawberry are followed by rosehip and rose. The midweight palate is the epitome of elegance with seamless, silky tannins and succulent acidity seducing every part of the mouth. And then that tiny last drop at the very bottom of the tasting glass explodes with potpourri and orange. Graceful and sneaky in its might.
E.Pira & Figli Barolo DOCG ‘Via Nuova’ 2019
Beside two cru bottlings (Cannubi and Mosconi), Chiarla Boschis and family offers this exceptional blend of seven parcels in three different townships (Barolo, Monforte and Serralunga). It is not an ‘entry level’ Barolo; rather a sophisticated panoramic shot that captures the many facets of a complex territory. A charming expression of balsamic herbs, tea, tobacco and smoky incense to begin. Clean and focused, the palate brings in lovely brambly fruit underscored by pressed roses. It is full yet bright. And while it seems accessible now those suave tannins build to quite a grip.
RECOMMEDED
Grimaldi Bruna Barolo DOCG 2019 ‘Camilla’ 2019
Besides two MGA bottlings – Badarina (in Serralunga d’Alba) and Bricco Ambrogio (in Roddi), the Bruna Grimaldi estate offers this multi-commune blend, which also includes fruit from parcels in the townships of La Morra, Verduno and Grizane Cavour. Camilla, as it is known, is an admirable ‘classic’ Barolo. Evocative autumnal aromas of brushwood and chestnut meld with cranberry fruit and a blood orange accent on the palate. There is plenty to chew on here. Tannins are assertive though not unyielding, and the fruit concentration is a perfect match. Ironically, the Camilla vineyard in the Raviole cru in the commune of Grizane Cavour, which gives its name to this wine, was completely decimated by the September 5th hail.
BAROLO
Within the township of Barolo, I noted a number of underwhelming wines. It was also difficult to identify any standout MGAs, with perhaps the exception of Bricco delle Viole represented by both G.D Vajra and Mario Marengo. And without taking away from the recommended bottlings from Einaudi and Serio e Batista Borgogno, Cannubi did not live up to its reputation.
RECOMMENDED
Poderi Luigi Einaudi Barolo DOCG Cannubi 2019
Einaudi’s 2.36 hectares in Cannubi are in the historic heart of Barolo’s most famous cru. Attractively scented and expressive, the 2019 exudes cinnamon, mint and sweet pure cherry. It sports a lovely texture with chalky tannins that layer up. The relatively soft acidity makes this approachable now, but it has the depth to age gracefully for another dozen years. Intriguing autumn leaf nuances bring this to a close.
Fratelli Serio e Batista Borgogno Barolo DOCG Cannubi 2019
I have been tracking the evolution at this estate for the last few years and believe that it is in good hands with the new generation. Emmanuela Bolla is making her mark in the vineyard and cellar in the most respectful, unimposing way. The 2019 Cannubi shows gorgeous scents of allspice, mint and delicate blossoms. On the palate, a red fruit backdrop of cherry and currants is tangled in dusty earthy. Midweight and elegant with crunchy acidity and tight tannins, it seems to want a bit more substance, but this could put on weight with time. Ultimately very classy.
Brezza Giacomo Barolo DOCG Sarmassa 2019
Brezza makes solid, steely Barolo and the Sarmassa bottling can be particularly austere in its youth. The 2019 is all this yet also so admirably complex and promising. Accents of warm earth, cherry, tobacco, sage and violet eventually come to the fore. Confidently extracted tannins provide a powerful backbone that is balanced out by fleshy fruit. Finishes with a blood orange streak.
Cantine dei Marchesi di Barolo Barolo del Comune di Barolo DOCG 2019
Representing the character of the Barolo township, this is an assemblage of Marchesi di Barolo’s historic cru sites in Cannubi, Sarmassa and Coste di Rose. The nose is upfront and appealing as it imparts sweet garden herbs, cinnamon spice, strawberry blossom and red cherry. There is midweight elegance yet a plushness to the fruit. Tannins are suede-like in texture, gripping appropriately to the finish. Really quite hard to resist now in some ways but this is easily a 10-year wine.
MONFORTE D’ALBA
The overall quality level in Monforte d’Alba’s 2019 is high, though be forewarned, the wines are the most brooding of the vintage. Bussia, in particular, offers plenty of successful examples.
HIGHLY RECOMMENDED
Poderi Colla Barolo DOCG Bussia ‘Dardi Le Rose’ 2019
Within the large (almost 300-hectare) Bussia MGA, the Colla family owns over 6 hectares in the revered hamlet of Dardi from which they make their striking Le Rose bottling. The 2019 leads with enticing aromas of dark chocolate, red cherry, sweet garden herbs and fragrant yellow blossoms. While it begs a sip, the palate is far from ready. Deep and dense, ample fruit fills the mouth with layers of rich, robust tannins to match. Still firm and austere, this lingers suggestively with sage and a minerally sensation. Poderi Colla should be on every Barolo-lover’s radar.
RECOMMENDED
Agricola Gian Piero Marrone Barolo DOCG Bussia 2019
Third generation Gian Piero Marrone runs this estate with his three daughters – Denise, Serena and Valentina, who heads up winemaking. She sticks to a traditional style with long macerations and ageing in large casks. The result here is a rather commanding and brooding Barolo. It starts with distinct and compelling fennel, anise, mint and curry aromas. The palate is dense and stern; yet as assertive as those tannins are, they are not over-extracted. Fully packed, with iron and dark moist soil at its depths. This will require patience and food to glean enjoyment.
Silvano Bolmida Barolo DOCG Le Coste di Monforte 2019
Le Coste di Monforte’s claim to fame is that Giacomo Conterno used to source grapes from this MGA to include in his iconic Monfortino bottling. It is one of the most southern cru in Barolo and with a southern exposure. Silvano Bolmida’s plot reaches a lofty 470 metres. The 2019 is fresh and fragrant exhibiting balsamic herb notes of sage, rosemary and thyme. A generous core of cherry and strawberry brings weight to the palate. Forest undergrowth lends some depth. This is ripe in fruit and tannins but retains refreshment. Smooth overall.
Josetta Saffirio Barolo DOCG Castelletto ‘Persiera’ 2019
Somewhat confusingly, Sara Vezza continues to make wines under her mother’s label – Josetta Saffirio – as well as under her own eponymous label. This is from a steep parcel where peaches (persiera) once grew. It is attractively scented with florals, ripe red berries, mint and wood nuances. The palate offers smooth, chocolatey tannins with a fennel note that echoes on finish. Fleshy and easy to like, though won’t make old bones.
Amalia Cascina in Langa Barolo DOCG Bussia Vigna Fantini 2019
This is a site-specific expression from the large Bussia MGA. The vineyard sits at 450 metres, the highest elevation of the cru, in a wooded area of the zone. It is understated and restrained in aromas, for now suggesting ginestra (yellow broom) and anise. The palate broods – concentrated but not heavy. Tannins are dry, firmly fastened, rigid and in need of a couple of years. Cinnamon and wood spice finish.
SERRALUNGA D’ALBA
Known for rigidly structured wines, Serralunga shone in 2019. While most sport a degree of austerity at the moment, they offer an equalizing profundity as well as admirable site specificity. It was difficult to narrow down my recommendations. The MGAs of Lazzarito, Margheria, Cerretta, Parafada and Prapò are all excellent. I also can’t wait to try more Vignarionda but as these are often released as a Riserva, we’ll have to wait. There is also great value to be had among the Comune di Serralunga d’Alba bottlings. Besides Giovanni Rosso, look for Negro Angelo and Boasso Franco.
HIGHLY RECOMMENDED
G.D. Vajra, Luigi Baudana Barolo DOCG Baudana 2019
In 2009 the Vaira family (of G.D. Vajra) took over the historic Luigi Baudana estate in Serralunga. Rather than simply assimilating it into their production, they have kept it as a separate label to honour a legacy. The 2019 Baudana bottling is captivating, if not fully ready to drink. A tangle of wild forest berries, licorice, stone and sweet earth, this is large but not overdone. Layers of fruit pad out steely, vertical tannins. Distinctly ferruginous on the finish. Give it at least a couple of years.
Palladino Barolo DOCG Parafada 2019
The Palladino estate skims coyly under the radar, which surprises me. The wines are always among my top picks at annual blind tastings. Both the Ornato and Parafada are worth seeking out in 2019, though I find the latter especially compelling. It flirts between austerity and a sweet ripeness. Though not explosive, aroma of licorice, mossy undergrowth and leather are piercing. The palate is linear, framed by chalky textured, polished tannins and a thrilling acid bite. Savoury and persistent, this is not an easy-going wine, but it is so well-worth making the effort.
Azelia Barolo DOCG Margheria 2019
From 75-year-old vines on white, calcareous clay soils, Azelia’s Margheria is a commanding, stately wine. Gorgeous scents of rosehip, cranberry and brushwood make way for stony minerals and perfumed earth on the palate. Tannins are at the fore and stick tenaciously to the gums. Yet these are impressively smooth in texture. As large as the wine is, it leaves the mouth refreshed and energized – perhaps thanks to that salty tang. Give this at least a couple of years before opening.
Massolino Barolo DOCG Margheria 2019
Massolino’s Margheria demonstrates the floral, elegant character of Margheria. Rose and violet permeate the nose eventually allowing for pristine raspberry notes to poke through. The palate is vertical in drive carrying its concentrated fruit core effortlessly. Tannins are suede-like in texture but sinewy in nature giving a well-etched yet graceful shape. Underlying salinity is lip smacking.
Pira Luigi Barolo DOCG Marenca 2019
I like both Pira Luigi’s Margheria and Marenca bottlings. The two MGAs sit side by side, yet the wines are distinctly different. In 2019, Marenca is decidedly exotic with a sweet/sour spice note and tamarind undertow. It is dark fruited with generous earthy depths. As ample and vigorous as it is, the palate is succulent and seamless with sweet, sophisticated tannins and no hard edges.
Fontanafredda Barolo DOCG Lazzarito La Delizia 2019
In a region where small, piecemeal holdings prevail, Fontanafredda boasts the largest contiguous property with a huge swath at the northern end of the Serralunga commune. However, it is the estate’s La Delizia vineyard in the MGA of Lazzarito that is the crowing jewel. This appeals with penetrating cocoa, bay leaf and lavender essence. The palate is firm and unwavering with upfront, steely tannins – yet there is a sweetness to them. An underlying juiciness sallies forth from the compact cherry core. Lots of refinement here. This should cellar well for the next 15 years.
Vico Luigi Barolo DOCG Prapò 2019
I was impressed with Luigi Vico’s first ever vintage of Prapò in 2016 and the 2019 is equally magnificent. An engaging interplay of earth and fruit where wild forest berries are tangled with moist soil, bay leaf, licorice, incense and iron. The palate is polished and sophisticated with seamless elegance to the abundant and sumptuously layered tannins. Lots of density, tang and charm with a promise to evolve slowly. Well-done!
Giacomo Conterno Barolo DOCG Cerretta 2019
Giacomo Conterno’s Cerretta starts in the dark earthy depths of a dense forest then progresses to a meadow of wildflowers with a pervasive iron note throughout. Carrying ample dark red fruit, it washes over the palate with a wave of tannins though these are suave in texture. As youthfully tight as this is, a buoyant brightness lifts it effortlessly to truffly, peppery conclusion.
RECOMMENDED
Giovanni Rosso Barolo DOCG del Comune di Serralunga d’Alba 2019
Giovanni Rosso boasts some pretty prime vineyard plots in Serralunga (including Vignarionda). Here, an assembly of parcels speaks to the general character of the township. Dark chocolate and balsamic herbs are offset by mineral notes of iron and stone. This is full and savoury yet with a sweetness of fruit through the core. The tannins are very textural, almost pixilated but ultimately approachable.
Garesio Barolo DOCG Gianetto 2019
Gianetto is one of Serralunga’s lesser-known MGA and only a couple of producers craft a cru bottling. Garesio’s 2019 highlights its potential. It possesses a distinct balsamic quality with sage blossom and rosemary nuanced by hints of smoke and orange peel. The palate is tangy, sapid and packed with powdery tannins. Perhaps a bit forced but finds its balance in the end. Really quite intense and vibrant. Give it another year.
LA MORRA
La Morra is a large commune and can indeed be variable in quality. Nonetheless, there are some excellent finds here in 2019. The Brunate MGA is tops, with Elio Altare, Enzo Boglietti and Vietti all sitting alongside the highly recommended Mario Marengo below. Also look out for bottlings from La Serra.
HIGHLY RECOMMENDED
Mario Marengo Barolo DOCG Brunate 2019
The Marengo family boasts two plots in the renowned Brunate MGA. This is made from the oldest vines, planted in 1942. It is quiet and leisurely in its expression slowly revealing dark chocolate, tea and herb blossoms. The palate is full, confident and precise. It fills the mouth with both fruit and structure – though it is not heavy. It needs tons of time and has a solid couple of decades to give.
RECOMMENDED
Elio Altare Barolo DOCG Arborina 2019
Silvia Altare is one of the remaining ‘ultra-modernists’ who continues to favour short maceration in rotofermenters and refinement in barriques. Only 20% are new here – less than in the past – and the style is well-honed and balanced. An evocative truffle nuance runs through the red currant core. This is fine in its frame though tannins still provide texture and tension. Beautiful fruit purity with sneak density and a sweet herb twist. Wait two to three years, then enjoy leisurely over the next dozen.
Bovio Gianfranco Barolo DOCG Arborina 2019
An excellent comparison with Altare’s Arborina. Bovio’s plot veers to the east rather than fully south and winemaking style is completely different. Both wines are excellent. Here, the wine sees a medium to long maceration with ageing in large casks. Aromas are discreet to begin – hinting at cocoa, red berries, juniper and smoky leaves. Relatively light in frame though not insubstantial. Attractive, ripe fruit pleases the palate. Offers midterm ageing potential over the next decade.
Burzi Alberto Barolo DOCG La Serra 2019
Alberto Burzi has been hailed as an up-and-comer since he started making wine under his own label from family vineyards about 10 years ago. I was particularly taken by his new release from a high altitude, east facing plot in La Serra. It exudes purity from start to finish. Mint and pepper infuse the vivid red berry fruit and zesty acidity lends palpable crispness. It will need another year for those dense chalky tannins to settle.
Molino Mauro Barolo DOCG Conca 2019
Brother and sister team Matteo and Martina Molino make uber-clean, polished wines that demonstrate more and more charm each vintage. Conca, which means shell, is a small, protected amphitheatre. The warm, southeast to southwest facing site gives generous fruit with a robust structure. Yet there is brilliant lifting acidity here. Ageing in barriques imparts a subtle vanilla note which plays well with mint and strawberry. Grainy tannins keep the palate in check. Give this another year to knit.
Alessandria Marilena Barolo DOCG Capalot 2019
Striking aromas of rose, rosehip, tobacco and licorice root leads to an elegantly crafted, midweight palate. The red currant core is expansive yet kept in check by a tight tannin frame. Bright acidity gives plenty of buoyancy.
Crissante Alessandria Barolo DOCG del comune di La Morra 2019
This was my first time tasting the wines of Crissante Alessandria (at least that I can remember). I was intrigued by the nervous energy and slim build of the wines. The backbone of this comes from the Roggeri cru, with San Biagio and Bettolotti rounding it out. It exhibits the fragrant charms of La Morra – with allspice, orange zest and autumn leaves. Tangy raspberries provide a backdrop on the palate with scratchy acidity and powdery tannins still tightly wound. Drink confidently over the next 10 years.
Dosio Vigneti Barolo DOCG del comune di La Morra 2019
Assembled from five neighbouring vineyards, Bosio’s flagship Barolo is dominated by fruit from Serradenari – Barolo’s highest MGA reaching 540 metres. Compelling scents of forest floor and earthy roots meet wild rose, strawberry and red currants. Linear and sinewy, the palate moves with purpose. Solid tannins are still slightly austere on the finish. Lingers with nuances of cinnamon and juniper. Dosio has been transiting to larger casks and less time in wood to the benefit of the wines.
CASTIGLIONE FALLETTO
A smaller commune with fewer MGA, Castiglione Falletto boasted some stunning wines within its small set. The Villero and Rocche di Castiglione MGAs were particular standouts.
HIGHLY RECOMMENDED
Vietti Barolo DOCG Rocche di Castiglione 2019
Vietti’s lineup of 2019 Barolo is impressive. It is hard to go wrong here. Equally worth seeking out are the Monvigliero and Lazzarito bottlings. But it is the Rocche di Castiglione that tugs at my heart strings. Not immediately explosive in its aromas, it infiltrates and seduces slowly with blood orange, pomegranate, black tea and vanillin. The palate is as dense as it is graceful and agile. Layers of raspberry and nectarine are seamlessly wrapped in long silky tannins that gripped tightly on the finish. Don’t touch for 4 to 5 years. After that, it will surely continue evolving gracefully for a couple of decades.
Giacomo Fenocchio Barolo DOCG Villero 2019
This wine penetrates right to the stomach from the very first whiff. Precise, elegant and persistent, notes of truffle, mint, licorice and sweet moist earth emerge steadily from the glass. The palate is dense yet airy, with plenty of substance but never weighted down. Tannins are ample yet smooth and the finish lingers with tangy charms. Drink this through to 2040.
Poderi e Cantine Oddero Barolo DOCG Villero 2019
The historic Poderi e Cantine Oddero estate isn’t as celebrated as it should be. The style is classic and quality topnotch. So far, I have only been able to try this Villero bottling from 2019 but it bodes well for the rest of the offerings. Characteristically reserved but confidently hinting at what is to come, it reveals pressed rose, mint and fennel on a backdrop of red currant. Grainy tannins wrap around the mouth with a firm, confident caress. Jaunty and lively, but above all sophisticated.
Brovia Barolo DOCG Rocche di Castiglione 2019
The Brovia family owns less than two hectares of 50-plus year-old vines in Rocche di Castiglione. The steep, sandy southeast facing plot is warmed by the gentle morning sun giving a refined, elegant wine. The beautifully weighted 2019 is decidedly mineral-driven and resolutely firm. Subtle and understated it offers red cherry laced with sweet herbs and bitter cocoa for now but has plenty more to reveal over the next 20 years.
Giovanni Sordo Barolo DOCG Monprivato 2019
Monprivato is most closely associated with (and almost whole owned by) Giuseppe Mascarello. However, since the 2013 vintage, Giovanni Sordo crafts a cru bottling from the small sliver it possesses. The nose boasts sweet/savoury appeal with red cherry tinged by bay leaf. It comes across as midweight at first, then builds in powder and profundity as it expands across the palate. Stony mineral notes counters impressive fruit ripeness. Built for the next 15 years.
NOVELLO
While there are several MGA in this lesser-known commune, it is the Ravera cru that has put Novello on the map. Above all, Elvio Cogno is the reference but Vietti and G.D. Vajra’s are equally worth seeking out in 2019.
HIGHLY RECOMMENDED
Elvio Cogno Barolo DOCG Ravera 2019
Since 2018, winemaker and owner Valter Fissore has introduced whole bunches during fermentation which helps keep alcohol levels in check. The 2019 could be the best vintage of this wine that I’ve tried. It is going to require patience but will reward for a couple of decades. Besides a deft balance of alcohol and fruit concentration, there is true refreshment lurking here. The tannins are also intricately knit and sculpted. With the clarity of a cool, clear day, it evokes peppy springtime nuances of strawberry, rhubarb and a snap of pepper. Bravo!
VERDUNO
Similar to Novello, renown is dominated by one MGA in the township of Verduno – Monvigliero. Besides Fratelli Alessandria, examples from Bel Colle, Castello di Verduno and Vietti all shone in 2019. (I have yet to try Burlotto’s.) Bottlings of San Lorenzo di Verduno are also worthwhile.
HIGHLY RECOMMENDED
Comm. G.B. Burlotto Barolo DOCG 2019
Undoubtedly one of Barolo’s top producers, Burlotto’s Fabio Alessandria makes truly spine-tingling cru bottlings of Monvigliero and Cannubi. However, his ‘classic’ Barolo should not be overlooked. An assembly of lesser-known MGA in Verduno (Breri, Neirane, Rocche Olmo and Boscatto), it offers exceptional value for money in 2019. Beautiful floral notes meet fresh fragrant herbs and spice – winter mint, clove and earthy licorice. Sumptuous summer berries through the core are braced by citrusy acidity and those powdery tannins layer up. This has a solid decade of ageing potential.
Fratelli Alessandria Barolo DOCG Monvigliero 2019
Dating back to the mid-1800s, Fratelli Alessandria is among the most historic estates of Barolo. Firmly rooted in the township of Verduno, the family owns 1.4 hectares of the now highly sought after Monvigliero MGA. The 2019 sports a delicate yet compelling nose of scented blossoms, sage flower and pink peppercorn. Orange zest lift the palate, magnifying sneaky fruit depth. With a graceful flow and silky tannins that fasten tightly to the finish, this is relatively accessible though I’d give it another year yet.
Michaela Morris is an international wine writer, educator and speaker based in Vancouver, Canada. She has worked in various capacities of the industry for over 25 years. Besides holding the Wine & Spirit Education Trust Diploma, Michaela is an Italian Wine Expert certified through Vinitaly International Academy (VIA) and leads seminars on Italian wine around the globe. Not surprisingly, her go-to cocktail is a negroni.