Festa Del Barolo 2023 Tasting

The 2019 Barolo Briccolina is a classy, powerful wine. A blast of dark cherry, plum, gravel, spice, incense and lavender makes a fine first impression, before big Serralunga tannins make themselves felt. This imposing Barolo will benefit from a few years in bottle. It is a fine effort from the Grasso family. ANTONIO GALLONI

The Grasso family have owned Briccolina since 1923 and for many years sold their fruit to neighbouring wineries. In 2012, Daniele convinced his father Tiziano to bottle a little Barolo under their own name. Sadly, Tiziano passed away in 2017 and it’s been left to Daniele and Tiziano’s wife Simona to continue the dream. Their six hectares is the largest single holding of Briccolina and occupies the best part of the MGA, which neighbours Ornato and Falletto in the southern part of Serralunga D’Alba. We were thoroughly impressed with our cask tastings of 2019-2022 and the new cantina will be ready for vintage 2023. Tiziano would be proud. TREMBATH & TAYLOR

Hailing from grapes grown in the townships of La Morra, Barolo, Castiglione Falletto and aged in large Slavonian casks, the firm’s lovely entry level Barolo has a quintessential Nebbiolo nose of violet, rose, new leather, camphor and woodland berry. It shows class, focus and finesse, featuring juicy red berry, star anise and baking spice before a mentholated close. Taut tannins and bright acidity keep it balanced. Drink 2026–2034. KERIN O’KEEFE