2018 Bruno Giacosa AA Falletto Barolo, Piedmont

From one of Piedmont’s most revered hillsides, this Barolo from the Falletto vineyard captures the soul of Nebbiolo and the legacy of Bruno Giacosa, a towering figure in Italian wine. The Falletto estate in Serralunga d’Alba is prized for its compact limestone and marl soils, which naturally produce Barolo of great structure, longevity and aromatic intensity. Giacosa’s philosophy has always centred on purity, traditional methods and an uncompromising respect for vineyard character, allowing Nebbiolo to express both power and haunting finesse. This wine stands as a benchmark for classic, age worthy Barolo.

The colour is a luminous garnet with brick tinges at the rim as it evolves. Aromas are layered and complex, revealing rose petal, tar, sour cherry and dried strawberry, followed by truffle, licorice, dried herbs and earthy spice. The palate is firm yet beautifully balanced, with concentrated red fruit, fine but authoritative tannins and a vibrant acid spine that drives incredible length. There is a deep savoury and mineral core that builds through the finish, giving both gravitas and elegance.

 Exceptional with braised beef, truffle dishes, osso buco, game and aged Parmigiano Reggiano. Built for long cellaring, it will continue to evolve gracefully for twenty to thirty years, gaining remarkable tertiary complexity and silkiness.