2021 Luigi Oddero Barbaresco Rombone, Piedmont

The Figli Luigi Oddero 2021 Barbaresco Rombone comes from a 1.42-hectare plot in the village of Treiso with south and southeastern exposures at a well-ventilated 320 meters above sea level. The site has limestone soils layered with sand, and this tends to produce fine aromas in otherwise structured wines. The excellent 2021 vintage shows these qualities with clarity. The fruit remains on the dark side, and the ripeness is balanced. There is dark currant, cherry and light spice. The wine ferments for 25 days with submerged cap and pump-overs. It matures in botte grande for 16 months and was bottled in August 2023. What you notice here is the power of the wine, which recalls the intensity of Barolo. However, in the case of Rombone, you also the pretty floral and fruity nuances of Barbaresco. The 2021 vintage represents an impressive jump forward.

94 points Monica Larner robertparker.com 

Luigi Oddero Barbaresco Rombone is a refined, quietly powerful expression of Nebbiolo that shows the more graceful, aromatic side of the Langhe compared to Barolo, while still delivering structure and longevity. The Rombone vineyard sits in Treiso, one of Barbaresco’s most elevated and elegant zones, where limestone and clay soils, good exposure and cooling influences give wines of perfume, finesse and tension rather than sheer muscle.

The Oddero name is one of Piedmont’s great historic families, with roots in the Langhe stretching back to the late eighteenth century. Luigi Oddero has long been associated with traditional, site focused winemaking, and the family philosophy remains grounded in respect for vineyard expression over cellar manipulation. In Barbaresco, this approach highlights Nebbiolo’s floral lift, savoury detail and fine tannin profile. Long macerations and patient ageing allow the character of Rombone to emerge naturally, without gloss or excess oak influence.

Aromatically, the wine is elegant and layered. Rose petal, violet and dried cherry lead, followed by redcurrant, anise and subtle spice. With air, more savoury notes develop. Dried herbs, forest floor, truffle and a gentle mineral edge that speaks clearly of Treiso’s hillside soils. The perfume is expressive but never showy, unfolding slowly in the glass.

On the palate, Luigi Oddero Barbaresco Rombone is poised and precise. Red fruit and dried cherry flavours sit at the core, supported by fresh acidity that gives lift and length. The tannins are fine grained and persistent rather than aggressive, providing structure while allowing the wine to remain supple and food friendly. Mid palate, savoury complexity builds, hints of tea leaf, spice and earth adding depth. The finish is long, dry and harmonious, echoing florals, red fruit and gentle mineral grip.

This is a Barbaresco that shines at the table. It pairs beautifully with roast meats, veal, pork, mushroom dishes, truffle based recipes or classic Piedmontese cuisine. While approachable with decanting in its youth, it is clearly built to age, evolving gracefully over ten to twenty years as it develops deeper savoury and tertiary complexity.

Luigi Oddero Barbaresco Rombone is a classic, site driven Nebbiolo that captures the elegance of Treiso and the quiet confidence of traditional Piedmont winemaking. A beautiful alternative for those who love Nebbiolo’s perfume and finesse alongside structure and longevity.