Barolo Riserva (1978)

About this wine

The 1978 Marchesi di Barolo Barolo Riserva presents a deep garnet color with subtle orange hues, indicative of its extensive aging. On the nose, it offers intense aromas of violet, rose, and spices like cinnamon and nutmeg, which have evolved into notes of tobacco, leather, and truffle over time. The palate is elegant, dry, and robust yet velvety, with well-expressed but soft and pleasant tannins. This wine showcases the remarkable aging potential of Nebbiolo, a grape known for producing some of Italy's most esteemed wines. The 1978 vintage is particularly noteworthy, as it was considered exemplary in Piedmont, contributing to the wine's exceptional depth and complexity.

About the grape

Nebbiolo, the sole grape used in the 1978 Marchesi di Barolo Barolo Riserva, is native to Italy's Piedmont region and has been cultivated there since at least the 13th century. Its name likely derives from 'nebbia,' the Italian word for fog, referencing the mist that envelops vineyards during its late October harvest. Nebbiolo is known for its high tannins and acidity, requiring careful cultivation and extended aging to develop its full character. The 1978 vintage is particularly notable, as it comes from a period when Barolo was solidifying its reputation as 'the king of wines,' a title reflecting its esteemed status among Italian reds.

Quick facts

• 🍷 The 1978 vintage of Barolo Riserva from Marchesi di Barolo is renowned for its exceptional structure and longevity, with wines from this year still offering remarkable depth and complexity.
• 🏰 Marchesi di Barolo's historic cellars are located in the town of Barolo, directly overlooking the Castle of the Marquis Falletti, where the modern Barolo wine was first developed in the 19th century.
• 🍇 The 1978 Barolo Riserva is crafted exclusively from the Nebbiolo grape, known for its high tannins and acidity, contributing to the wine's remarkable aging potential.
• 👑 Barolo is often referred to as 'the king of wines and the wine of kings,' a title that reflects its esteemed status and historical association with royalty.
• 🌞 The 1978 vintage was characterized by a cool summer followed by a warm autumn, allowing the Nebbiolo grapes to ripen perfectly, resulting in wines with intense color, expressive aromatics, and ripe fruit balanced by firm tannins.

Palate profile

Producer

Marchesi di Barolo, located in the town of Barolo, Italy, is renowned for its pivotal role in transforming Barolo wine from a sweet, sparkling beverage into the dry, robust red wine celebrated today. In the early 19th century, Marchesa Giulia Falletti di Barolo, originally Juliette Colbert from France, recognized the potential of the Nebbiolo grape and introduced innovative winemaking techniques, including fermentation in large casks within temperature-controlled cellars, to produce a stable, full-bodied wine. This transformation earned Barolo the moniker "The King of Wines, the Wine of Kings," as it became a favorite among European nobility. After the Falletti lineage ended without heirs, the estate was acquired in 1929 by Pietro Abbona, whose family continues to uphold the winery's legacy, now spanning six generations. Today, Marchesi di Barolo manages approximately 120 hectares of vineyards, producing wines that honor both tradition and innovation.