At a glance

Producer

Marcarini

Region

Barolo, Piedmont, Italy

Grape variety

Nebbiolo

Wine type

Red

Body

Full-bodied and Bold

Sweetness

Dry

Typical price

$80-$120

Tasting profile

Red cherry, rose petal, tar, dried herbs, subtle earthiness, developing leather and truffle notes

Evolution: Gradual softening of tannins, emergence of floral and savory tertiary aromas over next decade

At peak: Complex bouquet with harmonious balance of fruit, earth, leather, and spice, silky tannins and bright acidity

Structure

Acidity

High, balancing powerfully with tannins

Tannins

Firm, grainy, structured with fine texture

Alcohol

14-14.5%

Aging potential

30-40+ years in good cellar conditions

Drinking window

Peak drinking

2030 to 2049

Optimal window

2025 to 2052

Current status

Approaching early maturity but still developing

Current condition

Solid structure with developing tertiary aromas, tannins still firm but integrated

Based on nebbiolo’s natural structure and the highly rated 2017 vintage in Barolo, this wine benefits from extended bottle aging to soften tannins and develop complex tertiary flavors. Marcarini’s Brunate cru is known for power and longevity, supporting a peak drinking window starting around 2025 and extending decades for enthusiasts.

Food pairing

Pairs excellently with rich Piedmontese cuisine such as braised beef, game meats, truffle pasta, aged cheeses like Castelmagno, and mushroom risotto.

Serving

Serving temperature

18°C / 64°F

Decant

Yes (1-2 hours) — Long decanting softens firm tannins and allows complex aromas to open fully.

Sustainability

Sustainability score: 7/10

Focus on vineyard biodiversity, limited chemical inputs, manual harvesting, water conservation efforts, and use of natural yeasts during fermentation

Marcarini employs many sustainability-conscious practices typical of premium Piedmontese producers, such as minimal intervention in vineyards and cellar, promoting soil health and biodiversity. While not certified organic or biodynamic, the farm’s scale and methods reduce environmental impact. Local regional distribution in Italy and Europe limits carbon emissions from transport relative to long-distance imports.