2019 Patrizi Barolo, Piedmont

Open and spicy nose with notes of berry fruits, plum, wood smoke and leather. Spicy dried fruit characters on the palate with good concentration, hints of spicy tar, liquorice and meaty notes. A warm mid-palate leading to the characteristic firm, structured finish.

The vines are grown on clay-calcerous soil and planting density is 4300 vines per hectare. Green pruning is done in May and July and grapes are finally hand harvested at the beginning of October. The Nebbiolo grapes are sorted, de-stalked with special equipment, and softly pressed. The must is piped into steel tanks where it is fermented at a temperature of about 27 degrees, before it is allowed to macerate post ferment. This extended maceration on the skins and high temperature allow extraction of plenty of tannins. The wine is matured in oak barrels for 3 years before bottling.

Patrizi Barolo is a classic and approachable expression of Nebbiolo from the heart of Piedmont, Italy. Produced by the Patrizi family, who have a longstanding tradition of winemaking in the region, this Barolo highlights the essence of one of Italy's most revered wine styles. Crafted with care and precision, it offers a harmonious blend of structure, elegance, and complexity.

The Nebbiolo grapes used in Patrizi Barolo are grown in the rolling hills of the Barolo DOCG, where the unique combination of calcareous clay soils and a temperate climate creates ideal conditions for this noble grape variety. The region's hallmark fog (nebbia) during harvest adds to the mystique of the wine, allowing the grapes to achieve full ripeness and develop their iconic aromatic profile.

Winemaking involves a traditional approach, with extended maceration to extract the depth of color, flavor, and tannin from the Nebbiolo grapes. Fermentation is followed by aging in large oak casks for a minimum of two years, as required by DOCG regulations, allowing the wine to develop its characteristic complexity and refinement. Additional bottle aging further integrates the wine’s components, enhancing its balance and approachability.

In the glass, Patrizi Barolo displays a garnet-red hue with brick-like reflections, indicative of its traditional style. The nose is inviting and layered, offering aromas of dried cherry, rose petals, tar, and a hint of truffle, with undertones of leather and spice. On the palate, it is full-bodied and structured, with firm but fine-grained tannins supporting flavors of red berries, licorice, and earthy nuances. A lively acidity ensures balance, leading to a long and elegant finish.

This Barolo is a versatile wine at the table, pairing beautifully with rich dishes like braised short ribs, wild mushroom risotto, or truffle-infused pasta. It also complements hard cheeses such as Parmigiano-Reggiano or aged Pecorino. While approachable now with decanting, Patrizi Barolo has the structure to age gracefully for 8-12 years, gaining additional complexity and depth over time.