Bruno Giacosa Barolo Falletto 2021
(Piedmont, Italy) - [DM 98] [JS 98] [WA 97] [VM 97] [JD 97] [WS 97]

About the Winery:
One of the legendary winemakers of the world, Bruno Giacosa crafted the most prestigious single-vineyard Barolo and Barbaresco wines during a career that spanned nearly eight decades. He joined the family business at the age of 15, representing the third generation of his Langhe winemaking family. Giacosa’s unfailing pursuit of perfection, his unrivalled palate and his intimate knowledge of vineyards in the Langhe quickly drew recognition and helped establish Piedmont as a leading wine region. In 1982, Giacosa began to acquire prime parcels in Serralunga d’Alba, La Morra and Barbaresco to produce wines that are rightly regarded as the finest expressions of Nebbiolo.

About this Wine:
Purchased in 1980, the Falletto estate is comprised of 13 hectares (32 acres) in the commune of Serralunga d’Alba. Considered by Bruno Giacosa as the best area for producing elegant and long-lived Barolos, the Falletto vineyard is southwest facing on steep slopes of calcareaous clay soils in an amphitheater shape. The Falletto wines are austere, elegant and complex on the nose, with excellent structure and suave tannins.

Fermentation and Maceration: around 25 days in stainless steel vats
Malolactic Fermentation: completely developed
Refinement: 32 months in big French oak barrels, 6 months in bottle
Bottling: July 2024

Tasting Notes:
Intense ruby red color. The nose is dominated by notes of small red fruit, flowers and light spicy notes. On the mouth, an excellent structure accompanied by good freshness. Very good tannic balance.

Ratings & Reviews

98 Points - Decanter Magazine
"In the far southeast of Barolo, Giacosa’s 9ha monopoly shines in 2021. Made from vines with an average age of 35 years, Falletto flirts rather than flaunts. Red and black currants establish a backdrop from which iron, sage, bay leaf and liquorice root arise. Elegance, polish and precision are impeccably demonstrated, as is immense freshness, with racy acidity giving mouth cleansing vibrancy and energy. The tannins are fine-grained and silky, building up steadily in dignified strength around a core of pulverised stone. Pressed rose and lilac perfume the finish. 6,820 bottles and a few hundred magnums produced. The red label Riserva Vigne Le Rocche 2021 will be released in 2027." - Michaela Morris (Jan 2025)

98 Points - James Suckling:
"This is all about purity, with cherries, strawberries, spices, sandalwood, iodine, seashells and black truffles on the nose. Full-bodied but so balanced and focused, with layering and vertically that go on and on. The nebbiolo character is intense and gorgeous. Some pure fruit at the end, with notes of flint and gunpowder. Best after 2027, but it’s already a joy to taste. (Aug 2024)

97 Points - Wine Advocate:
"You feel the signature of an elegant vintage in the superbly direct and focused Bruno Giacosa 2021 Barolo Falletto. This beautiful wine offers bright berry fruit, blue flower and crushed stone. This is a complete wine, with aromatic intensity that is matched to the depth of mouthfeel and structure. We can expect a red label Barolo Riserva Falletto Vigna Le Rocche from the 2020 vintage to be released in 2026 and a 2021 edition to be released in 2027. That will certainly be something to look forward to. The Riserva was previously made in 2011, 2012, 2014, 2016 and 2017." - Monica Larner (Jan 2025)

97 Points - Vinous Media:
A rich, explosive wine, the 2021 Barolo Falletto is heady from the first taste. Spice, menthol, licorice, camphor and dried herbs infuse the palate with captivating depth and nuance. This opens beautifully with time in the glass, showing all the power and regal intensity these wines were once known for. Best of all, the 2021 will drink well with minimal cellaring, as the tannins are already quite polished. Superb." - Antonio Galloni (Oct 2025)

97 Points - Jeb Dunnuck:
"The 2021 Barolo Falletto comes from the lower portion of the slope and was aged for 34 months in big barrels and then six months in bottle. In the glass, it pours a jeweled red hue with a bit more pigment than the Barbaresco and is spicy on the nose, with a compelling feel in its notes of spiced cherries, fresh herbs, smoky incense, and hints of fresh leather. The palate is medium-bodied, with lovely purity and clarity that was a consistent thread throughout all the wines at this tasting. It features ripe tannins with a noble yet elegant feel, as the fruit shines brightly and carries through to a long and even finish. As it opens, it showcases its more noble structure, along with the ability to age over the next two to three decades." - Audrey Frick (May 2025)

97 Points - Wine Spectator:
"Supple in texture and loaded with finesse, this Barolo exudes flavors of raspberry, cherry, rose, iron, tar and spices, with a hint of licorice. The dense, fine-grained tannins emerge as this winds down on the long, languid aftertaste. Vibrant and complex. Best from 2029 through 2050. 600 cases made, 100 cases imported." - Bruce Sanderson (Dec 2025)