Marchesi di Barolo : Barolo della Tradizione 2020

Characteristics and tasting tips for the Barolo della Tradizione 2020 from Marchesi di Barolo

Tasting

Appearance

The deep ruby red hue is enhanced by characteristic garnet reflections.

Nose

The bouquet is intense and lingering, revealing aromas of red fruits accompanied by spicy notes of cinnamon, anise and star anise. Fragrances of tobacco, licorice and wild rose complete this complex aromatic palette, while a touch of wormwood adds a subtle herbal dimension.

Palate

The attack is full and well-structured, carried by smooth, enveloping tannins. The supple texture offers a fine length on the palate, where spicy and oaky notes merge harmoniously with the fruity structure. The balanced acidity brings vibrancy and freshness, leading to a lingering and pleasant finish.

Food and wine pairing

This Barolo is an ideal companion for egg pasta such as tajarin, meat-filled ravioli, as well as grilled or braised red meats. It also pairs beautifully with game and full-flavored cheeses such as Piedmontese toma or aged hard cheeses.

Serving and storage

The Barolo della Tradizione 2020 is best enjoyed at a temperature between 16 and 18°C. Aerating the wine before serving allows the aromas to fully express themselves. This wine should reach its peak between approximately 2032 and 2035, while already offering appreciable accessibility now.

A classic Barolo from Piedmont by Marchesi di Barolo

The estate

Founded in 1929 by Pietro Abbona, the Marchesi di Barolo house carries on a historic legacy dating back to the early 19th century, when Marquise Juliette Colbert revolutionized Barolo production. Established in the heart of the Langhe in Piedmont, this family-owned estate spans approximately 120 hectares of vineyards. Now led by Ernesto Abbona, representing the fifth generation, alongside his children Valentina and Davide who embody the sixth generation, the house combines respect for centuries-old traditions with the measured adoption of modern technologies. Renowned for its historic crus Cannubi, Sarmassa and Coste di Rose, Marchesi di Barolo obtained SQNPI certification in 2022, reflecting its commitment to environmental sustainability.

The vineyard

The Barolo della Tradizione comes from vineyards situated on well-sloped hillsides, composed of clay-limestone soils alternating with compact layers of sandstone and covered with quartziferous sands and very fine silts. This pedological composition, rich in trace elements, creates an exceptional terroir at the heart of the Barolo production zone, benefiting from a microclimate sheltered by the surrounding hills.

The vintage

The 2020 vintage is part of an exceptional trio of consecutive high-quality years in Piedmont. After a mild winter and a relatively dry spring, May and June brought less stable conditions with beneficial rainfall that replenished the soil's water reserves. The summer proved hot and dry without extreme heat spikes, allowing steady and consistent ripening. Temperatures cooled in September, while early October offered an excellent diurnal temperature range between day and night, favoring the harvest of grapes at optimal maturity with sustained acidity. These generous conditions without extremes enabled the development of remarkable aromatic concentration and a fine, supple tannic structure.

Winemaking and aging

The Barolo della Tradizione 2020 is crafted using methods that honor tradition, combining classic techniques with measured innovations. Plot-by-plot vinification preserves the distinctive characteristics of each terroir before the final blend. Aging takes place in barrels, some of which are the historic Botti della Marchesa, restored in 2002, creating a tangible link with the house's heritage.

Grape variety

100% Nebbiolo