Marco Marengo Barolo Brunate 2020

"One of my favorite Barolos. Harmonious, complete and complex. They do not intend to represent the modern or traditional style, they simply take into account the expression of the terroir." This is how Pedro Parra, the world's greatest terroir expert, aptly defines the essence of Marco Marengo's wines. Marco was a biochemist, but was asked by his father Mario to take over the tiny winery below the family home in La Morra, and some plots in the best crus of Barolo. Everything is still handcrafted by Marco, his wife Jenny and son Stefano, to the delight of hardcore barolistas.

"The Marengo family has owned vineyards in the celebrated Brunate cru of La Morra since 1903. They are now blessed with two parcels right in the middle of what Pedro Parra describes as the "Grand Cru" section of Brunate. Some of the Nebbiolo vines on the precious, smaller, 0.14-ha lower parcel of fractured loamy limestone at 340m were planted in 1942. On the upper, just over a hectare of loamy limestone and clay at about 380m, with its deeper soils, are vines planted in 1955." Jancis Robinson

Points: 95 Robertparker.com

THE Barolo Brunate 2020 of Marco Marengo is one of the great ambassadors of the terroir of La Morra, in the heart of the Langhe. From 50-year-old vines located on the southern slopes of the legendary Cru Brunate, this wine expresses Nebbiolo in its purest form: complex, austere, sensual.

The marly soils rich in clay and limestone produce a wine with a deep structure and firm but elegant tannins. After traditional vinification with indigenous yeasts and prolonged maceration, the wine ages for 24 months in French oak barrels, 30% new. It is bottled without filtration, preserving the integrity of the fruit and the signature of the place.

Brunate is one of Barolo's most celebrated crus — and in the hands of Marco Marengo, it reveals a side that is simultaneously classic and modern: concentration, verticality and balance.

Technical Characteristics:

• Producer: Marco Marengo

• Region: Piedmont – La Morra

• Denomination: Barolo DOCG

• Raw: Brunate

• Year: 2020

• Grape variety: 100% Nebbiolo

• Age of vines: ~50 years

• Exposure: South

• Soil: Clay-limestone marl

• Winemaking:

  • Fermentation with indigenous yeasts

  • Traditional maceration

• Internship:

  • 24 months in French oak barrels (30% new)

  • Bottled without filtration

• Alcohol content: 14.5% vol.

• Production: Limited

Tasting Notes:

On the nose, it reveals layers of black cherry, tobacco, rose petals, liquorice and earthy notes. On the palate, it is structured and firm, with fine tannins, natural freshness and a long, mineral finish. A Barolo with soul and precision, ideal for aging in the cellar.

Harmonizations:

Perfect with ossobuco, truffle risotto, duck confit, aged meats or cheeses such as Parmigiano Reggiano or Pecorino.