2020 Marcarini La Serra, Barolo, Piedmont

Pretty berry fruit like raspberries and hawthorn berries here, plus hazelnuts and orange rind. It’s bright and beautifully balanced with a medium to full body and an elegant frame of firm yet tight-knit tannins. Delicious finish. Best after 2027.

95 points jamessuckling.com

Marcarini La Serra Barolo DOCG from Piedmont is a beautifully crafted wine that showcases the finesse and complexity of one of Italy’s most iconic wine regions. Marcarini, a family-owned winery with deep roots in the Langhe, produces wines that are a true expression of Barolo's rich terroir. The La Serra vineyard, situated in the heart of the Barolo zone, is known for its unique microclimate and clay-limestone soils, which impart exceptional elegance and depth to the Nebbiolo grapes grown there.

The wine is made using traditional winemaking methods, with fermentation in temperature-controlled stainless steel tanks and aging in large Slavonian oak barrels, allowing the wine to develop its full range of flavors while maintaining a delicate balance. The result is a Barolo that is both approachable in its youth yet capable of aging beautifully for many years, allowing it to evolve and become even more complex over time.

In the glass, Marcarini La Serra Barolo reveals a rich, garnet-red color with subtle orange hues that develop as the wine ages. The nose is a captivating bouquet of dark cherries, rose petals, and dried herbs, with earthy undertones of tobacco and leather, characteristic of Nebbiolo. There are also hints of licorice and subtle spice, adding complexity to the wine's aromatic profile. On the palate, the wine is medium to full-bodied, with structured tannins and a vibrant acidity that gives it great balance. The fruit flavors are rich and concentrated, with dark cherry and plum leading the way, complemented by earthy, floral, and spicy notes. The finish is long and persistent, with the tannins softening over time, leaving a lingering impression of fruit, floral notes, and a touch of oak.

Marcarini La Serra Barolo is a perfect wine for pairing with rich dishes. It pairs beautifully with roasted meats, such as lamb or beef, as well as truffle-based dishes, pasta with rich sauces, or aged cheeses like Parmesan or Pecorino. Whether enjoyed now or cellared for years to come, this Barolo is a stunning example of the elegance and power of Nebbiolo from the Barolo region.