At a glance

Producer

Damilano

Region

Barolo, Piedmont, Italy

Grape variety

Nebbiolo

Wine type

Red

Body

Full-bodied and Bold

Sweetness

Dry

Typical price

$110-$160 USD

Tasting profile

Tight, with notes of sour cherry, rose petal, tar, anise; considerable oak and tannin still dominating

Evolution: Florals and red fruits develop into dried fruit, tobacco, truffle, and leather over a decade; tannins soften

At peak: Full tertiary complexity, velvety tannin, classic Cannubi rose and tar bouquet, supple mid-palate

Structure

Acidity

Medium-high, giving freshness and aging potential

Tannins

Firm, robust, and grippy (classic young Barolo)

Alcohol

14-14.5% ABV

Aging potential

Excellent; up to 20+ years from vintage

Drinking window

Peak drinking

2029 to 2046

Optimal window

2026 to 2049

Current status

Ready to drink

Current condition

Primary and closed; high tannin, structure not yet fully integrated

Cannubi is Barolo's most historic cru, known for its ability to balance power and fragrance. 2021 is a structured, classic vintage expected to enter its 'peak' from 8–15 years after harvest, with further evolution possible for another decade. Early drinking will show less complexity and harsher tannin.

Food pairing

Braised veal shank (osso buco), roast lamb, truffle risotto, mature Parmigiano-Reggiano

Serving

Decant

Yes (1-2 hours) — The wine has firm, robust tannins typical of a young Barolo, which can benefit from aeration to soften the tannins and enhance the aromatic profile.

Sustainability

Sustainability score: 6/10

Damilano uses integrated farming: minimal herbicide/pesticide, manual harvesting, some water efficiency in the winery. No solar/renewable listed. Packaging is standard glass and cork, not lightweight. Some commitment to site biodiversity and traditional hillside farming.

Damilano’s practices align with many high-end traditional producers: good vineyard stewardship, but without formal certification or major innovations in energy/water or packaging. Sustainable compared to mass-market wineries, but not to top-certified estates. Key environmental value: preservation of old-vine Nebbiolo and the Cannubi cru.