At a glance

Producer

Marchesi di Barolo

Region

Barolo, Piedmont, Italy

Grape variety

Nebbiolo

Wine type

Red

Body

Full-bodied and Bold

Sweetness

Dry

Typical price

$40-$60

Tasting profile

Tight, powerful aromas of tar, rose petal, cherry fruit and licorice. Palate is tannic, with mineral and earthy undertones.

Evolution: Over the next decade, the wine will soften tannins and develop complex secondary aromas of leather, truffle, and dried herbs.

At peak: Silky texture with integrated tannins, rich dark fruit, floral notes and a long, persistent finish.

Structure

Acidity

High, vibrant acidity providing freshness and aging potential

Tannins

High, firm and grainy tannins typical of Barolo

Alcohol

14-14.5%

Aging potential

Excellent, suitable for at least 15-20 years from vintage given producer quality and vintage strength

Drinking window

Peak drinking

2030 to 2045

Optimal window

2027 to 2048

Current status

Approaching early drinking readiness

Current condition

The 2020 vintage is still youthful with firm tannins and fresh acidity, benefiting from further cellaring to fully develop complexity.

The 2020 vintage in Barolo was excellent, with ideal weather promoting balanced fruit ripeness and structure. This supports extended aging, allowing tannins to mellow and complex tertiary aromas to emerge over 15+ years. Drinking window is guided by classic Nebbiolo evolution.

Food pairing

Pairs well with rich dishes like braised beef, game meats, mushroom risotto, aged cheeses (e.g. Parmigiano-Reggiano), and truffle-based dishes.

Serving

Serving temperature

18°C / 64°F

Decant

Yes (1-2 hours) — To soften tannins and allow the complex aromas to open up before serving.

Sustainability

Sustainability score: 7/10

Adoption of sustainable farming including integrated pest management, use of cover crops, soil health monitoring, and water conservation measures. Energy efficient winery operations and low-impact packaging.

Marchesi di Barolo implements recognized sustainable farming practices focused on environmental stewardship and resource conservation. While not fully organic or biodynamic, their management strikes balance between quality and sustainability. Packaging uses lightweight bottles, and efforts to reduce winery energy consumption are underway. The carbon footprint, while moderate due to international exports, is offset by local viticulture and traditional low-impact methods.