G. B. Burlotto Barolo Castelletto DOCG 2021
(Piedmont, Italy) - [WA 98] [JD 97+] [VM 97] [JD 96] [DM 95]

About the Winery:
Burlotto is a family winery was born in Verduno, a historic commune in Barolo, founded in 1850. During his 77 years as a winemaker (1850-1927), G.B. Burlotto’s accomplishments were rivaled only by those of Biondi-Santi and Vega Sicilia, as G.B. achieved super-stardom in a world dominated by French wines.

After his passing, the winery and Verduno itself faded away until the arrival of G.B.’s great-great-grandson Fabio Alessandria as winemaker, and now Burlotto’s star is again rising, reclaiming its position as one of Piedmont’s great small producers.

Like his ancestors, Fabio approaches Monvigliero in a way that is both classical and idiosyncratic-to extract the vineyard's essential greatness. At the core of this technique is a gentle crushing of all the grapes by foot, an incredible 60-day maceration on the skins and, of course, long aging in large wood botti. It's an approach virtually unheard of today, yet its brilliance is revealed in every glass of this unique Barolo.

About the Vineyard:
The hill of Castelletto is located on the hilly ridge of the Municipality of Monforte that faces Serralunga d’Alba, in the most south-eastern part of the Barolo area. It shares the geology of the Lequio Formation with the town of Serralunga, which gives rise to soils made up of clayey marl rich in limestone and minerals that alternate with slightly more sandy areas.

Technical Information

Vinification:
The harvest is carried out by hand, in order to preserve the integrity of the fruit and to allow for, when necessary, a selection of the grapes which are then transported to the cellar in 20 kg boxes. Whole cluster vinification is used (with grapes not destemmed) in open French oak vats, followed by two months of submerged cap maceration. In order to not damage the stalks, the grapes are still foot pressed.

Maturation:
Malolactic fermentation takes place in Slavonian and Allier oak barrels of 35-50 hectoliters followed by subsequent maturation for about 3 years. Bottling is usually carried out in the summer without fining or filtration and then the wine rests in the cellar for at least 9 months before being marketed.

Optimal serving temperature between 16 and 18 ° (60-65F).

Ratings & Reviews

98 Points - Wine Advocate:
"With fruit from Monforte d'Alba, the Comm. G.B. Burlotto 2021 Barolo Castelletto is especially linear and sharp with exacting focus that is underlined by crushed limestone, violet, blood orange and a hint of glossy latex. The effect is brilliant and intense. I came back to my open bottle 12 hours later and found a wine of impeccable balance, with polished tannins and shiny fruit flavors. Gleam and energy best describe the character of this Nebbiolo." - Monica Larner (Jan 2025)

97+ Points - Jeb Dunnuck:
"The 2021 Barolo Castelletto offers more notable tension and nervous energy upfront at this early tasting. It’s bright and focused in the glass, with spiced notes of grenadine, anise, wet stones, and clove. The palate has a more vertical feel, with compact, coiled tannins, ripe acidity, and a long-lasting finish. It speaks to the area of Monforte d’Alba and has a more assertive nature, but it’s not quite ready to go and should either be served with richer fatty foods or pork or otherwise given more time. Hold off here and drink 2027-2050.<!--more-->Each of the Burlotto wines for this report were tasted at the winery in Verduno with Fabio Burlotto at the end of February, 2025. (Drink between 2027-2050)." - Audrey Frick (May 2025)

97 Points – Vinous Media:
"The 2021 Barolo Castelletto is dense, compact and packed to the core. Menthol, spice, leather, lavender and sage give the 2021 tons of savory intensity, the signature of this sector. Readers will have to be patient with the 2021—it's a big, strapping Barolo with a bright future. All the hallmarks of Monforte come through loud and clear, namely dark-fleshed fruit, balsamic layers, mineral undertones and imposing tannins (Drink between 2029-2046)” – Antonio Galloni (Jan 2025)

96 Points – James Suckling:
“An austere nose of rhubarb, restrained red currants and violets. The palate is zesty, with a full body and thick, compact yet ripe tannins. A chewy finish with a long, savory aftertaste reminiscent of underbrush. Not an easy-drinking wine, it deserves time in the bottle. Try from 2027.” (Jan 2025)

95 Points - Decanter Magazine:
"After a long search in the southeastern stretch of Barolo, the Alessandria family was able to acquire 1ha in Castelletto in 2018. While the lower part of the vineyard has been replanted, 50-year-old vines in the upper reaches were preserved to realise this bottling. A bit dark and brooding, it exhibits a relatively strict disposition within Burlotto's range. Hints of sage, dusty thyme and rosehip tea play off a rhubarb backdrop. Smooth-grained tannins are tightly knit, while steely acidity lends linear direction. This is elegant in its concentration with signature purity and lightness of touch. Finishes with a stony grip." – Michaela Morris (Jan 2025)