G. B. Burlotto Barolo DOCG 2021
(Piedmont, Italy) - [JS 95] [JD 94] [WA 94]

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.

About this Wine:
Assembled from estate holdings in Verduno: 1.1 ha in Neirane, 1.25 ha in Rocche dell’Olmo, 1.13 ha in Boscatto and 0.77ha in Breri.

Verduno is the northernmost municipality of the Barolo area with soils that were formed between the Tortonian and the Messinian geological eras. Within short distances in the vineyards you can find land attributable to different geological formations, even if the prevailing ones are the laminated fossil Marls of Sant’Agata (Monvigliero) and the Cassano Spinola Formation (Neirane, Boscatto and part of Rocche Olmo). They are calcareous soils with a balanced presence of clay, sand and silt that allows for good water retention.

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

95 Points – James Suckling:
"Restrained licorice, earth, strawberries and touches of wax, fresh violets and orange peel. Very juicy on the palate, with a medium to full body, crisp acidity and refined, light-framed tannins. Drinkable now, but best from 2026."  (Jan 2025)

94 Points - Jeb Dunnuck:
"All these wines from Burlotto have a jewel-like ruby hue, and each of the Barolo were aged for three years in oak, without fining or filtering so they have time to settle and take on this brilliant clarity. The 2021 Barolo has a lot of complexity and clarity on the nose, which is focused and lifted with fresh spices, ripe red berries, sweet citrus zest, candied cinnamon, and fresh flowers. The palate is medium-bodied but has considerable depth of mineral texture, with notes of salty earth, electric, refreshing acidity, and an energy that lifts the wine through its long finish. Drink 2025-2045." - Audrey Frick (May 2025)

94 Points - Wine Advocate:
"This wine carries a hot-vintage character, which comes as a surprise, with a medium-plus, viscous feel and a glossy texture. The Comm. G.B. Burlotto 2021 Barolo paints a broad portrait of Nebbiolo without the high-definition clarity or the high notes that you get in the cooler years. The approach is instead quite accessible and open, with silky tannins and a fruit-driven finish." - Monica Larner (Jan 2025)

91 Points - Vinous Media:
"The 2021 Barolo is a super-classic wine in every way. Its aromatics, bright acids and overall depth are those of a wine that punches above its weight. White pepper, mint, slate, crushed rocks, red-toned fruit and citrus all race across the palate. Clean mineral notes and wiry tannins pull it all together on the finish. This overachieving Barolo is superb. (Drink between 2025-2033)." - Antonio Galloni (Jan 2025)