The 2019 vintage from Piedmont is a banger – these are great wines with long futures. After Barolo tastings in Cape Town and Jo’burg, we’re delighted to share the 2019 Barolos with you. Today we focus on the entry-level and classico Barolos from our favourite producers. This is where the smart money lies.
Amongst a plethora of brilliant wines, the Marengo Barolo 2019 from La Morra ‘has the depth and complexity of the best ’19s’, says Wine Spectator. And from rockstar Giula Negri, we offer the fine-boned Barolo Tartufaia 2019 – ‘an exceptional expression of Negri’s winemaking prowess’ (Wine Enthusiast).
‘The 2019s are certainly the best young Barolos I’ve tasted since the 2016s, and if you are a fan of the wines, it’s wise to buy your favourites early.’
– Wine Spectator
Can you get more classic than Pio Cesare? In production since 1881, they’ve done a terrific job with their elegant Barolo Pio 2019. Hidden gem Luigi Baudana’s Barolo Serralunga 2019 is rich yet refined and ‘hits all the right notes’. Finally, from the Barolo village itself comes GD Vajra’s Barolo Albe 2019 – ‘one of the most popular and versatile wines made in Italy, and deservedly so’ (Wine Advocate).
The impressive 2019 vintage has been praised for being supremely classical in its styling. View the full range of classicos and crus from this legendary year.
Tasting Notes:
‘A pretty red, this boasts strawberry, cherry, currant and rose aromas and flavors. Firm and taut, with fine harmony. Should be approachable soon, and if not this at least has the depth and complexity of the best ’19s. Charming and persistent.’ – Bruce Sanderson, Wine Spectator, 93/100
‘Very pale garnet. This could almost be a decongestant, it’s so powerfully aromatic. Broad and with really powerful fruit and tannins underneath. Great structure. Still quite a bit of tannin.’ – Jancis Robinson, jancisrobinson.com, 17/20
Giulia Negri Barolo La Tartufaia 2019
‘Lovely fine tannins that are velvety and polished with a medium to full body. Juicy and flavorful. Hints of orange peel. Seamless. Deep mouthfeel. Clay soils.’ – James Suckling, JamesSuckling.com, 94/100
‘Savory aromas swiftly emerge, accompanied by wild mixed berries and herbs. The palate delights with sour plum, Bing cherry, mint, warmed spices, tar and dark earthy nuances. An exceptional expression of Negri’s winemaking prowess.’ – Roger Voss, Wine Enthusiast, 94/100
‘Pio Cesare does a great job with its classic 2019 Barolo (in production since 1881). The bottom of the front label reads “Barolo Pio” in memory of the legendary Pio Boffa. He was a wine entrepreneur who gained the immediate respect and love of all those who knew him. He passed away tragically during the COVID-19 pandemic just as the vaccines were being rolled out. This is a large production of about 70,000 bottles with fruit sourced from across seven vineyards in five villages. Despite those ambitious numbers, the wine remains strictly focused on bright Nebbiolo fruit with red cassis and aniseed. The finish is smooth with tannins that elegantly dissolve over the palate.’ – Monica Larner, Wine Advocate, 95/100
‘Lovely perfumes of flowers, fresh strawberries and raspberries follow through to a medium- to full-bodied palate with fine tannins that run the length of the wine. Citrus and spice undertones. Finishes long and intense. Tannic finish.’ – James Suckling, JamesSuckling.com, 94/100
Luigi Baudana Barolo Serralunga 2019
‘This wine is a blend of fruit from Baudana, Cerretta and Costabella. The Luigi Baudana 2019 Barolo del Comune di Serralunga d’Alba shows the firmness and structure that this village is known for with pretty perfumes of rose, rusty nail, autumnal leaf, licorice and tar. Costabella is an early-ripening site, and fruit is sourced from the youngest vines in Cerretta and Baudana (leaving a selection from the older vines for the single-vineyard wines).’ – Monica Larner, Wine Advocate, 93/100
‘The 2019 Barolo del Comune di Serralunga d’Alba shows all the breadth of Serralunga, but in the somewhat austere style that runs through all the wines this year. Dark red fruit, sage, mint, leather and spice fill out the layers effortlessly. Rich and ample, yet super-classic, the Serralunga Barolo hits all the right notes. It may very well be the hidden gem in the entire Vajra range.’ – Antonio Galloni, Vinous, 93/100
‘This is certainly one of the most popular and versatile wines made in Italy, and deservedly so. The well-priced G.D. Vajra 2019 Barolo Albe shows some ripe fruit and softness with cherry, dried raspberry and crushed rose. This vintage is similar in character to the 2016 release in that both vintages offer a linear style with good structure at the back. The mouthfeel is polished and long, affording accessibility and complexity too.’ – Monica Larner. Wine Advocate, 94/100
‘A firm and polished red with berries and spices, like nutmeg and pepper. Orange peel, too. Medium body. Fresh and energetic finish.’ – James Suckling, JamesSuckling.com, 93/100
