At a glance

Producer

Marcarini

Region

Barolo, Piemonte, Italy

Grape variety

Nebbiolo

Wine type

Red

Body

Full-bodied and Bold

Sweetness

Dry

Typical price

EUR 60-80 (USD $65-85)

Tasting profile

Intense cherry, rose petal, tar, licorice, wild herbs; robust tannins, lively acidity, tightly wound

Evolution: From vivid fruit/floral notes toward dried flowers, earth, mushroom, savory spice as it matures

At peak: Seamless integration, layered complexity, persistent finish, tertiary notes with elegance

Structure

Acidity

High, supporting long aging

Tannins

High, firm, classic for Barolo

Alcohol

13.5-14.5% ABV, typical for the style

Aging potential

15-20 years depending on cellaring conditions

Drinking window

Peak drinking

2031 to 2053

Optimal window

2028 to 2056

Current status

Ready to drink

Current condition

Youthful, tannic, primary fruit and floral notes dominating; wine is structured for long-term aging

2021 is a structured, ageworthy vintage; this wine historically needs time for tannin resolution and flavor complexity to emerge. Peak window will show optimal harmony between fruit, acidity, and tertiary development.

Food pairing

Traditional Piedmontese dishes (tajarin, agnolotti al plin, braised beef), aged cheeses, truffle-rich recipes

Serving

Decant

Yes (1-2 hours) — The wine has high, firm tannins typical of Barolo, which can benefit from aeration to soften and enhance its flavors.

Sustainability

Sustainability score: 6/10

Marcarini practices integrated pest management, minimal intervention, and selective hand-harvesting. Commitment to biodiversity (cover crops), but no certified organic/viticultural status. Glass bottles are standard weight; no specific eco-packaging initiatives disclosed.

Marcarini's practices exceed minimum legal requirements in many areas, but without certified sustainability labeling or formalized green initiatives. Vineyard management closely follows traditional, sustainable Piedmontese approaches, but lacks the transparency or rigor of certified organic or biodynamic estates. International distribution contributes to footprint. Score reflects above-average but unexceptional sustainability.