G. B. Burlotto Barolo Monvigliero DOCG 2020
(Piedmont, Italy) - [LG 100] [DM 98] [WA 97] [WE 97] [VM 95] [JD 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 symbolic vineyard of Verduno, a bulwark of elegance in Barolo. Our interpretation gathers the testimony of an ancient way, a refined taste, to be rediscovered. The luxury, calm, and voluptuousness of Baudelaire’s texts is imprisoned here, in its lyrical intonation, in the aromas of a Levantine smokehouse and in the rich and light flavor, whose salty trail traces a finale image of clear purity.

Technical Information

Geography:
The most northern vineyard of the Barolo area, not far from the Tanaro river, which has a significant influence on the microclimate of this important Verduno vineyard. The soil is made up of fossilized Marls of Sant’Agata called laminate or balanced agglomerates of silt, clay and sand arranged like sheets a few millimeters thick layered over each other. Active limestone around 11.

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

100 Points - Luca Gardini:
"One of the key labels for Verduno and for the typology, in a version with a proverbial refinement. Blueberry, touches of clementine zest, hints of ginger and Valdostan mint. On the palate density and tension, brackish tannins, officinal memories and red fruits. Closes with menthol notes." (Apr 2024)

98 Points – Decanter Magazine:
"Year after year a label of the greatest consistency. Whole-bunch grapes given a long maceration without punchdowns or pumpovers, the wine aged for 33 months in large oak: an indicator of the vintage's quality. Although very light in colour, it demonstrates its typical wild strawberry, peony, violet and cinnamon aromas, and some minerality, vermouth-like in its aromatic intensity. On the palate there is a great concentration of fruit, with velvety tannins and a finish of filigree elegance.” – Aldo Fiordelli (Mar 2024)

97 Points – Wine Advocate:
“Showing fine and delicate perfumes, the Comm. G.B. Burlotto 2020 Barolo Monvigliero (made with whole-cluster fermentation) opens to a hint of something exotic like Moroccan spice with candied orange, Arabian jasmine or tamarind chutney. This vintage is a little more immediate in character, with a long mid-palate that culminates with a chalky tannic finish. The Monvigliero is very elegant, even fragile, with an upward fruit crescendo. Production in this vintage is 9,000 bottles.” – Monica Larner (Apr 2024)

97 Points – Wine Enthusiast:
“A bouquet dominated by enchanting violets, bursts from the glass, accompanied by vibrant pomegranates and currants. On the palate, the wine is well-structured, with tannins that are perfectly integrated, allowing the beauty of the fruit to shine through. This cru is known for its finesse, and this wine is a prime example of its grace and power. A stunning beauty that will leave you captivated. Drink now - 2045.” – Jeff Porter (Sep 2024) 

95 Points – Vinous Media:
“The 2020 Barolo Monvigliero is a gorgeous, classically austere Barolo that is going to need time to soften. Dried herbs, flowers, mint, dried cherry and white pepper infuse the 2020 with tons of aromatic nuance. Readers will have to be patient, as the aromatics are tempting, but the acids and tannins are those of a very young, cutting Barolo.” – Antonio Galloni (Jan 2024)

95 points – Jeb Dunnuck:
“A wild beast, the medium ruby 2020 Barolo Monvigliero shows off a wild perfume in this vintage, with a rustic edge and lifted notes of menthol, orange zest, cinnamon, pomegranate, and saddle leather. It drives with vibrant energy on the palate, where all its components come together, with a chalky texture and a long finish. This spicy and slightly rustic wine from Burlotto is going to benefit from another year or two in bottle. Drink 2026-2040.” – Audrey Frick (May 2024)