Barolo (1979)
SommeliAI Insights
A mature Barolo with complex aromas of red fruits, spices, and earthy notes, offering a rich and structured palate.
About this wine
This 1979 Barolo from Giacomo Borgogno & Figli presents a deep ruby color with garnet highlights, indicative of its age. On the nose, it offers aromas of ripe red fruits, such as cherries and raspberries, complemented by spicy notes of black pepper and licorice. The palate is full-bodied and incisive, with a pleasant acidity that imparts freshness and persistent tannins that provide structure. This wine is known for its longevity, reflecting the traditional winemaking methods of the Borgogno estate, one of the oldest in Piedmont, established in 1761.
About the grape
Nebbiolo, the sole grape in the 1979 Giacomo Borgogno & Figli Barolo, is renowned for its late ripening and the foggy conditions during its harvest in Piedmont, Italy. Historically, Nebbiolo was favored by Italian nobility, earning Barolo the title 'the wine of kings.' The 1979 vintage reflects traditional winemaking methods, including extended maceration and aging in large Slavonian oak casks, highlighting Nebbiolo's robust tannins and aging potential. Giacomo Borgogno & Figli, established in 1761, is one of Barolo's oldest producers, known for their commitment to classic Nebbiolo expressions.
Quick facts
- 🌫️ The name "Nebbiolo" is derived from the Italian word "nebbia," meaning "fog," reflecting the foggy conditions during the grape's late harvest season in Piedmont.
- 📜 Nebbiolo is one of Italy's oldest grape varieties, with records dating back to the 13th century, highlighting its deep-rooted history in winemaking.
- 🍷 Despite its light color, Nebbiolo wines are known for their high tannin content, providing a robust structure that allows them to age gracefully over decades.
- 🏰 The Giacomo Borgogno & Figli winery, established in 1761, is one of the oldest in Barolo, renowned for its traditional winemaking methods and long-aged wines.
- 👑 Barolo wines, like the 1979 Giacomo Borgogno & Figli Barolo, are often referred to as "the wine of kings, the king of wines," a testament to their esteemed status among Italian wines.
Palate profile
Producer
Giacomo Borgogno & Figli, established in 1761 by Bartolomeo Borgogno, is one of the oldest wineries in Piedmont, Italy. Notably, their Barolo was served at the 1861 celebration of Italy's unification and during Tsar Nicholas II's 1908 visit. In 1920, Cesare Borgogno began exporting wines internationally and initiated the practice of aging Barolo Riserva for 20 years before release. The Farinetti family acquired the winery in 2008, maintaining its traditional methods and achieving organic certification in 2019.
