2021 Giovanni Rosso Barolo Del Comune di Serralunga d’Alba, Piedmont

Subtle on the nose, with stones, cherries, minerals, licorice and sweet violets. Medium- to full-bodied, it shows firm tannins and refreshing acidity. Not as long as expected. Drink or hold.

93 points James Suckling

Few villages define the character of Barolo quite like Serralunga d'Alba. Renowned for producing Nebbiolo of power, structure and extraordinary longevity, its ancient limestone and clay soils give rise to wines with unmistakable depth and intensity. Giovanni Rosso has spent generations farming these prized vineyards, earning a reputation as one of the commune's finest producers through an unwavering commitment to expressing the unique personality of Serralunga.

The Rosso family has been growing grapes in Serralunga d'Alba since the late nineteenth century, with Giovanni Rosso becoming one of the region's benchmark estates under the guidance of Davide Rosso. The outstanding 2021 vintage delivered fruit of exceptional concentration, aromatic precision and freshness, allowing this village Barolo to capture the essence of Serralunga while remaining remarkably approachable in its youth.

Bright garnet red in colour, the bouquet is beautifully layered with aromas of rose petals, red cherry and wild strawberry intertwined with notes of blood orange, anise and sweet spice. As the wine opens, hints of truffle, tobacco leaf and forest floor emerge, adding further complexity. The palate is structured yet refined, revealing vibrant red berry fruits, savoury earthiness and mineral detail framed by firm, finely textured tannins and lively acidity. The finish is long, powerful and elegantly persistent, lingering with floral perfume, spice and classic Serralunga depth.

A magnificent partner for braised beef cheeks, white truffle risotto, slow cooked lamb shoulder, duck ragù or aged Parmigiano Reggiano. While already impressive with extended decanting, this Barolo has the pedigree and structure to reward patient cellaring over the next two decades.