At a glance

Producer

Marchesi di Barolo

Region

Piedmont, Italy

Grape variety

Nebbiolo

Wine type

Red

Body

Full-bodied and Bold

Sweetness

Dry

Typical price

$90-$130 (750ml retail; Wine-Searcher average: $110 as of June 2024)

Tasting profile

Aromas of rose petal, cherry, raspberry, tar, wild herbs, cedar, and subtle spice. Palate marked by fresh red fruits, dried cranberry, licorice, tobacco, high acidity, and firm tannins.

Evolution: Secondary notes of dried cherry, leather, earthy truffle, balsamic, and forest floor emerge with bottle age. Tannins will soften, texture will become silkier.

At peak: At peak, expect a seamless integration of floral, spicy, and earthy notes with resolved tannins and a long, elegant finish.

Structure

Acidity

Elevated, vibrant typical of Nebbiolo; supports long-term aging

Tannins

High, still somewhat firm and structured, beginning to soften but prominent in youth

Alcohol

Moderate to elevated (14-14.5%), well-integrated for the style

Aging potential

15-20 years from vintage, depending on cellaring conditions

Drinking window

Peak drinking

2026 to 2032

Optimal window

2023 to 2035

Current status

Approachable now but still youthful; will improve with further aging

Current condition

Showing primary fruit and significant tannin structure; developing complexity

Cannubi Barolos from good vintages such as 2015 begin showing tertiary complexity after 8-12 years, as tannins resolve and primary fruit integrates with evolved notes. The period 2026-2032 is likely to capture the optimal balance of fruit, structure, and emerging secondary flavors. After this, the wine may gradually lose some vibrancy and fruit, shifting towards subtler, more tertiary characteristics with potential drying of the tannins after 2035.

Food pairing

Classic pairings include braised beef short ribs, osso buco, truffle risotto, porcini mushroom dishes, aged Parmigiano-Reggiano, roast lamb, and wild game. As the wine evolves and tannins soften, earthy and creamy dishes or roasted poultry become excellent complements.

Serving

Serving temperature

16-18°C / 61-64°F

Decant

Yes (1-2 hours) — Decanting helps soften the firm tannins and release the aromatic complexity typical of youthful Cannubi Barolo.

Sustainability

Sustainability score: 7/10

Reduction of chemical inputs, preservation of biodiversity, hand-harvesting, and careful water management

Marchesi di Barolo is making progress in sustainable viticulture though not leading the region; regional sustainability practices observed but lacking globally recognized certifications.