G.B. Burlotto - Barolo Monvigliero 2017

Marina, with her husband Giuseppe Alessandria, and their children Fabio and Cristina, represent the fourth and fifth generations at the helm of G.B. Burlotto. They continue today to produce the classic wines of the Alba Langa in the wake of a tradition.

Monvigliero is unanimously considered one of the finest vineyards of the Langhe.  

G.B. Burlotto owns three parcels within Monvigliero, totaling 2.02 hectares, with uniform exposure to the South and a maximum altitude of 300 meters. he symbolic vineyard of Verduno, a bulwark of elegance in Barolo. The interpretation gathers the testimony of an ancient way, a refined taste, to be rediscovered. The luxury, calm, and voluptuousness of Baudelaire’s texts is imprisoned here, in its lyrical intonation, in the aromas of a Levantine smokehouse and in the rich and light flavor, whose salty trail traces a finale image of clear purity.

Malolactic fermentation takes place in Slavonian and Allier oak barrels of 35-50 hectoliters followed by subsequent maturation for about 3 years. Bottling is usually carried out in the summer without fining or filtration and then the wine rests in the cellar for at least 9 months before being marketed. 

"Fabio Alessandria is one of the most talented wine producers at present in Barolo. If Monvigliero is recognised for its particular elegance, the interpretation at GB Burlotto adds depth and consistency to it. The harvest, which in Monvigliero is rather early, 'has been brought forward almost one month in 2017,' according to Alessandria. 'We finished picking the Nebbiolo on 31 September.' In this vintage he preferred selected yeast over indigenous yeast due to the heat and the potential alcohol. He fermented the wine in Slavonian oak vessels without destemming and let the malolactic conversion occur spontaneously, still in oak. It has a crystalline purity on the nose of peony, orange peel and red berries, embellished with cinnamon and rhubarb flavoured boiled sweets. Fleshy and earthy strawberry flavours are joined by lavish, almost silky, tannins of great volume on the mid-palate, and lifted acidity that will keep it going strong for decades." 98 points, Decanter

"The aromas alone will stop you in your tracks thanks to a compelling combination of pressed rose, crushed mint, pine forest and a whiff of woodland berries. Full-bodied and elegantly structured, the firm, delicious palate delivers red cherry, pomegranate, licorice and salt alongside tightly wound, noble tannins. *Top 100 Cellar Selections of 2021" - 98 points, Wine Enthusiast

"The 2017 Barolo Monvigliero opens to a fine and light ruby color. This whole-cluster wine is elegant from all sides no matter how you approach it. To the bouquet, it offers smooth berry and spice, with lots of blue flower, dried lavender and lilac. A second aromatic layer centers on dry stone, limestone and some crushed white pepper. To the palate, it shows fine but tight tannins that are still nervous, like a closed fist. What I find most interesting about this warm-vintage expression from Monvigliero is that although the floral imprint is intact, the bouquet is broad enough to make room for spice, cherry and grilled herb. It feels like this bouquet operates on a bigger platform in 2017, but it requires patience nonetheless." - 96 points, Robert Parker's Wine Advocate

Producer: G.B. Burlotto

Country: Italy

Region: Piedmont

Varietal: Nebbiolo

Appellation: Barolo

Vintage: 2017

Size: 750ml