From: Piedmonte, Italy
Blend: Nebbiolo
Taste & Accolades:
100 points Monica Larner (Wine Advocate): "This wine feels like a delicate whisper in the ear that tickles and taunts but gets its message across. The Comm. G.B. Burlotto 2019 Barolo Monvigliero definitely spoke to me thanks to its immediate complexity that transcends wild strawberry, aromatic herb, white pepper, orange peel, hazelnut, truffle essence, autumnal leaf, cinnamon and pencil shaving. I could go on. The first vintage made was 1982, and Monvigliero famously sees whole cluster fruit to add to those spicy and herbaceous aromas that are so delicate and fleeting. Fabio Alessandria's other important Barolos, like Castelletto and Acclivi, are made with destemmed grapes, but whole cluster fermentation fits in with the characteristics of the Monvigliero cru. Fabio explains that the use of full bunches is not about gaining structural power per se; it's about obtaining complexity. The 2019 vintage is all about energy and tension, and although the nature of the vintage is a bit closed in its youth, this wine is poised for long aging. Drink 2025-2060 (Aug 2023)."
99 points Audrey Frick (JebDunnuck.com): "The 2019 Barolo Monvigliero is produced entirely from whole clusters and is a pale ruby, with a spicy and lifted perfume revealing layers of cinnamon, red berries, tarragon, and white pepper. Medium-bodied, with ultrafine tannins and a long finish, this is highly refined, with a Burgundian aesthetic of purity and beautiful concentration. A singular and exceptional wine, drink it over the next few decades. Drink 2023-2043 (May 2023)."
98 points Decanter: "At the northernmost tip of Barolo, GB Burlotto's Monvigliero 2019 was harvested around 20 October. Fermented in big oak casks with its own yeasts and whole cluster grapes, it displays the typically elegant style of the MGA. A scented nose of sweet violets, cinnamon, rhubarb and bark of cinchona is fully focused on rooty and earthy notes before a fresh, delicate fruit character of wild strawberry and orange emerges. There's great concentration on the palate, with super-crisp acidity and elegant velvety tannins. The finish is lifted and refined. Chiselled to perfection. Drinking window 2023-2050 (Jan 2023)."
More About The Wine: Monvigliero Vineyward
Monvigliero is unanimously considered one of the finest vineyards of the Langa albese.
We have three parcels within Monvigliero, totaling 2.02 hectares, with uniform exposure to the South and a maximum altitude of 300 meters.
Several replantings have taken place here, including a section from 1958 alongside areas planted between 1987 and 2015 on various rootstocks including the vigorous Kober 5BB and the old Riparia on less calcareous soils, as well as the 420A . Geologically, Monvigliero is a typical example of a cru from the western Barolo area. In fact, it lies entirely on the so-called “laminated marls of Sant’Agata Fossili”, a complex of fine sediments – a mixture of clays, silt and sand – with a strong limestone component and a gray-blue color, formed between 7 and 11 million years ago.
About: In the commune of Verduno, nestled within the hallowed Barolo region, lies a winery steeped in history and tradition. Founded in 1850 by Giovan Battista Burlotto, Comm. G.B. Burlotto Winery not only stands as a testament to a rich winemaking legacy but also embodies the evolution of the Barolo wine itself. Burlotto's establishment, housed in an 18th-century edifice, signals a pivotal shift from diverse agricultural practices to a passionate focus on viticulture. This transition, occurring in a period when wine cultivation was a pursuit of a visionary few, marked the beginning of a remarkable journey for Burlotto and his family winery.
The winery's façade, adorned with 32 medals, narrates the tale of pioneering production and commercial success. GiBi Burlotto, later known as Commendatore, dedicated his efforts to producing the quintessential wines of Langa. His vineyards, including the esteemed Monvigliero in Verduno and Cannubi in Barolo, were instrumental in crafting wines of exceptional pedigree. The Burlotto wines garnered acclaim as the official supplier for the Royal House of Savoy, achieving recognition at global fairs and exhibitions. This period marked a significant era for the winery, combining hard work, savoir-faire, and respect for the craft to produce wines celebrated universally.
Giovan Battista Burlotto's influence extends beyond his winery, contributing significantly to the identity of Barolo wine. His belief in the region's potential led to creation of wines characterized by elegance, aromatic complexity, and longevity. This dedication laid a foundation of consistency and love for the Langa land, a legacy that continues to bear fruit.
Following Giovan Battista's passing, the winery saw leadership through his son Francesco and his grandson Ignazio. During challenging times, including war periods, Ignazio played a crucial role in preserving the unique varietal Pelaverga wine. His determination ensured the survival and recognition of Verduno Pelaverga as a unique wine variety.
Today, the winery is under the stewardship of Marina Burlotto, alongside her husband, Giuseppe Alessandria, and their children, Fabio and Cristina. Representing the fourth and fifth generations, they continue to honor the family tradition by replicating past practices and embracing a legacy of inspired and courageous choices. This approach is reflected in their winemaking philosophy, combining respect for tradition with a contemporary perspective.
Spanning over 16 hectares across 14 crus in four municipalities, the Burlotto vineyards are a mosaic of diverse terroirs. The Barolo vineyards, especially Monvigliero, are renowned for their finesse and the subtle nuances they impart to the wine. Other vineyards contribute to producing varieties like Pelaverga piccolo, Barbera, Dolcetto, Nebbiolo, Freisa, and Sauvignon Blanc. Each vineyard, with its unique characteristics, plays a pivotal role in crafting wines that express the true essence of their origin.
Comm. G.B. Burlotto Winery is a living history of Barolo, a chronicle of a family's dedication to the land and the art of winemaking. From Giovan Battista Burlotto's pioneering spirit to the current generation's blend of tradition and innovation, the winery continues to produce wines that truly reflect their terroir, history, and the passion of those who make them. The legacy of Comm. G.B. Burlotto is not just in the bottles of wine produced but in the enduring spirit of excellence and respect for the land that continues to guide the winery's journey.