Barolo Riserva (1971)

About this wine

The 1961 Barolo Riserva from Giacomo Borgogno & Figli presents a captivating bouquet of dried cherries, dried roses, licorice, and tobacco, all framed by firm, dusty tannins. Despite its mid-weight body and age, the wine shows plenty of depth and fine overall balance. This vintage was a library release directly from the Borgogno cellars, offering an incredible range of older vintages. The estate decants these older bottles to remove sediment, tops them off with wine from the same vintage, and re-corks the wines prior to selling them.

About the grape

Nebbiolo, the sole grape in the 1961 Giacomo Borgogno & Figli Barolo Riserva, is native to Italy's Piedmont region and has been cultivated there since at least the 13th century. Its name likely comes from 'nebbia,' the Italian word for fog, reflecting the misty conditions 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. In the 19th century, winemakers like Camillo Benso, Count of Cavour, and French enologist Louis Oudart transformed Nebbiolo into the dry, robust Barolo wines celebrated today.

Quick facts

• 🍒🌹🍬🍂 The 1961 Barolo Riserva from Giacomo Borgogno & Figli is renowned for its complex aromas of dried cherries, dried roses, licorice, and tobacco, all framed by firm, dusty tannins.
• ⚖️🍷 This vintage has been praised for its depth and balance, with critics noting its seamless, long, and fresh finish.
• 🍾🕰️ Borgogno's practice of re-releasing older vintages involves decanting to remove sediment, topping off with wine from the same vintage, and re-corking, ensuring the wine's longevity and freshness.
• ☀️🍇 The 1961 vintage is considered outstanding, with a very hot and dry summer leading to excellent grape maturation and high yields.
• 👑🍷 Barolo, often referred to as 'the king of wines,' is made exclusively from Nebbiolo grapes and must be aged for a minimum of 38 months, including 18 months in oak barrels.

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.