2021 Giacomo Brezza Barolo Sarmassa, Piedmont

From the legendary Sarmassa cru comes a profound expression that demands contemplation. The reserved initial profile unfolds like ancient tea leaves steeped in blood orange essence, revealing layers of complexity. Dried cherries seem awakened spiced and rehydrated while potpourri notes add ethereal lift. The palate moves with measured grace, each element in perfect alignment, revealing the true nobility of Nebbiolo. Here is power clothed in silk, depth without weight, a wine that speaks of place with crystalline clarity. A masterwork that reminds us why Barolo can move the soul. Drink Now until forever

98 points Jeff Porter, Wine Enthusiast

The Brezza 2021 Barolo Sarmassa shows natural plumpness with pretty fruit, damson plum and fragrant rose. This Barolo delivers a little more richness and volume compared to the other wines in this organic portfolio. You get extra contouring and layering with the Sarmassa, with a pretty hint of sweet cherry to close. Sarmassa enjoys western and southwestern exposures. Production is 5,513 bottles plus 308 magnums.

Brezza Giacomo e Figli dal 1885 is the full name of this estate recognized simply as Brezza on the front label. It counts 16.5 hectares of vines in the Barolo appellation, including 12.5 hectares in the village of Barolo, three hectares in Monforte d'Alba and one hectare in Novello. It also farms 3.5 hectares between the areas of Diano d'Alba and Nebbiolo d'Alba (outside the Barolo appellation). The sites see different soil profiles, mostly with Sant'Agata Fossili Marl and Diano sandstones.

95 points Monica Larner, The Wine Advocate

Brezza is one of Barolo’s historic family domaines, with roots in the Langhe stretching back to the 19th century and estate bottling beginning in 1910. Today the family continues to farm organically from its base just outside the village of Barolo, making traditionally styled Nebbiolo with long macerations and maturation in large Slavonian oak. Sarmassa is one of their most important vineyards, producing Barolo with a seductive combination of fragrance, depth and serious structure.

Sarmassa lies just west of the village of Barolo, where its favourable exposure and calcareous clay-rich marl give Nebbiolo both generosity and tannic backbone. The 2021 vintage was an outstanding one for Barolo, combining excellent ripeness with freshness, perfume and the structure required for long ageing. Brezza’s traditional cellar work lets that vineyard character unfold without unnecessary oak sweetness or cosmetic polish.

Bright garnet with a translucent ruby core, the nose opens with Morello cherry, wild strawberry and blood orange before rose petal and violet take over. With air come liquorice root, dried porcini, tobacco leaf, anise and warm terracotta. The palate is beautifully structured, with vivid red fruit wrapped in firm, chalky tannins and mouthwatering acidity. Cherry skin, orange peel, black tea and dried herbs gather through the middle before a long, savoury finish of rose, liquorice and earth.

Give this braised beef cheek with polenta, truffle and fontina agnolotti, roast duck with chestnuts, charcoal-grilled lamb cutlets with rosemary or porcini and Taleggio risotto. Our pick is the agnolotti, little parcels of molten cheese, butter and truffle against young Sarmassa’s roses, cherry and tannin.

Cellaring: Drink from 2029 to 2048+.