Freddy R. Troya

9.5

Gianfranco Alessandria – Barolo 2020
Piedmont – Italy 🇮🇹

Overview
Made from 100% Nebbiolo, this Barolo captures the essence of Piedmont’s most noble grape. The 2020 vintage is still youthful, showing its classic austerity and perfume while beginning the long climb toward its prime. (Educational note: Nebbiolo is famous for combining delicate floral aromatics with firm tannins and vibrant acidity, giving Barolo its legendary aging potential.)

Aromas & Flavors
Roses and violets open gracefully, followed by tart red cherry, cranberry, and dried strawberry. Nuances of anise, tar, and subtle spice emerge with air, promising further complexity as the wine matures.

Mouthfeel
Medium-bodied but firmly structured, with gripping tannins and racing acidity. The tart fruit and floral notes ride on a backbone of minerality, finishing long and tightly wound — signaling a wine built for age.

Food Pairings
Perfect with rich northern Italian cuisine: truffle risotto, braised beef (Brasato al Barolo), or wild mushroom tagliatelle. Also shines with aged Parmigiano Reggiano.

Verdict
A beautiful, youthful Barolo — tart, floral, and nervy, with cherry fruit and soaring acidity. Still climbing toward its peak, but already showing elegance and grace. A wine for patient cellaring, yet utterly captivating today. 🍷

Did You Know?
Barolo is often called “the king of wines and the wine of kings.” Its Nebbiolo grape name comes from nebbia (fog), referencing the autumn mists that blanket Piedmont’s vineyards during harvest.

Hidden Gem 💎
Gianfranco Alessandria is a boutique Barolo producer, crafting expressive, terroir-driven wines that fly under the radar compared to larger names — a true gem for collectors and explorers. — a month ago

Bob McDonald

9.2

Our last lunch in Priorat at a little restaurant in Falset, and no formal notes but keen to try again. Interestingly this winery was started by Dominik Huber and the irrepressible Eben Sadie of South African Syrah fame. This was a typical rich Priorat blend of mainly Grenache with Carignan. Full bodied and savoury with black fruits and plenty of liquorice — 3 years ago

with Hugh and Georgina

Jorge Pazos

9.2

Cata Terroir Al Limit — 7 years ago

Freddy R. Troya

9.8

Tenuta Cucco – Barolo Riserva “Cerrati Vigna Cucco” 2016. Piedmont – Italy 🇮🇹

Overview
Made from 100% Nebbiolo, this single-vineyard Riserva from Tenuta Cucco expresses the Cerrati cru with elegance and perfume. Aged for extended time as a Riserva, the 2016 is approaching a decade and shows why great Barolo balances power with haunting aromatics. (Educational note: Barolo “Riserva” requires a minimum of 62 months of aging, of which at least 18 are in wood, giving additional depth and complexity.)

Aromas & Flavors
An extraordinary bouquet — roses, violets, and dried lavender pour from the glass like perfume. Dark cherry, red currant, and wild strawberry interlace with anise, tar, and earthy spice. Hints of leather and truffle complete the symphony.

Mouthfeel
Medium to full-bodied with finely etched tannins, still firm but beautifully integrated. Acidity remains vibrant, lifting the fruit and florals into a long, graceful finish. Nearly ten years old, it sits perfectly in its early maturity window.

Food Pairings
Ideal with Piedmont classics: tajarin pasta with truffles, braised beef (Brasato al Barolo), or game meats. Also superb with aged Parmigiano Reggiano or Taleggio.

Verdict
One of the most aromatic and enticing Barolos tasted in recent memory — so perfumed it feels wearable. Nearly a decade old, this 2016 Riserva is in a glorious drinking window, marrying fragrance, finesse, and structure. 🍷

Did You Know?
“Cerrati” is a celebrated cru in Serralunga d’Alba, known for producing Barolos of aromatic lift and longevity — the source of Tenuta Cucco’s flagship wines.

Hidden Gem 💎
Though not as widely known internationally as the largest Barolo houses, Tenuta Cucco crafts terroir-driven wines of exceptional finesse — treasures for those who seek depth beyond the mainstream names. — a month ago

Matt

9.2

Fresh, juicy, mineral and high toned perfume. Some whole cluster and carbonic make for a youthful and quaffable wine that doesn’t skip on Priorat’s mineral imprint. — 4 years ago

Sara Thomas

8.9

Black cherry, raspberry, plum, violets, spices. Soft tannins. Very nice — 5 years ago

JKT

9.0

Interesting wine at a local popular tapas place in Barcelona! Nicely paired with the choices! — 4 months ago

Lidia

9.4

Idillica cata — 5 months ago

Tyler Felous

9.5

Beautiful all around. Great depth, silky delivery. 100% garnacha, no wood. — 10 months ago

Fredybeans

9.4

Robe jaune soutenue
Nez somptueux avec du beurre de al noisette fraîche
Bouche précise longue
Manque juste un terroir plus noble pour la profondeur
Très belle tenue à l air — 4 years ago