Prunotto Barolo DOCG 2020
(Piedmont, Italy) - [JS 94] [WA 93] [WS 92] [VM 90]

Notes from the Winemaker:
A traditional Barolo, one of Prunotto’s historic labels, whose first vintage was produced in 1905 from the best grapes of the vineyards in the heart of the Barolo appellation. Aging takes place in large oak barrels of various sizes, further enhancing the extraordinary typicity of Nebbiolo in this region.

Vintage Notes:
The 2020 growing season began with normal winter weather, mild temperatures and limited precipitation without any extreme weather events. The first half of spring was relatively dry and sunny that guaranteed early and even vine growth. May and June brought generous precipitation that slowed down vine development causing the vines to lose the head start acquired at the beginning of spring. However, the rain showers provided beneficial groundwater reserves that, together with moderate summer temperatures, prevented water stress in the vineyards. Periodic cluster thinning balanced the crop load per vine and helped increase optimal sugar concentration levels. Excellent climatic conditions during September, characterized by significant temperature swings between day/night, ensured an ideal ripening phase. The grape harvest began on September 30th and was completed on October 13th.

Harvest and Vinification
Grapes were carefully selected, destemmed, and crushed. Maceration on the skins lasted for approximately 8 days at a maximum temperature of 30°C (86 °F). Malolactic fermentation was completed before the end of winter. The wine was aged for at least 18 months in oak barrels of varying capacities, allowing Barolo to develop great balance.

Tasting Notes:
Prunotto’s Barolo 2020 is deep garnet red with ruby reflections. The nose is complex: aromas of red fruit and floral aromas follow over to notes of spices and impressions of forest floor and plums. The intense palate is characterized by soft tannins and a lengthy aftertaste. Outstanding aging potential.

Ratings & Reviews

94 Points - James Suckling: 
"Exciting minerality with a subtle, savory layer of grilled citrus and plums. Touches of iron and savory baking spices, too. This is bright and incisive, with nuanced flavors and dusty, crumbled tannins. Long, minerally and expressive already. A joy to drink now, but can hold." (Nov 2024)

93 Points - Wine Advocate: 
"This program appears to have gone through quite a dramatic transformation over the past years, passing from more extracted wines to much lighter and brighter expressions instead. The Prunotto 2020 Barolo is a big release of nearly 134,000 bottles, with fruit sourced from a variety of vineyards. More than its DNA, however, it's the style of the wine that has taken a radical departure. This Barolo shows a light ruby color with a fragrant bouquet focused mostly but not only on violets and lilacs; red fruits follow with hints of aniseed and crushed stone. It's easy-drinking, but it also shows new purpose, and that's not an easy feat for a production this large." – Monica Larner (Jan 2025)

92 Points - Wine Spectator: 
"Macerated cherry, strawberry and menthol flavors mark this supple red. Balanced and lively, with a light, chalky feel on the finish. In the end, this is savory. Best from 2026 through 2042. 1,950 cases imported." – Bruce Sanderson (Mar 2025)

90 Points - Vinous Media:
"The 2020 Barolo is a lovely entry-level offering from Prunotto. Medium in body and ethereal, the 2020 shows the more gracious, understated side of Barolo off to great effect. Crushed flowers, sweet pipe tobacco, mint, herbs and citrus peel are beautifully lifted." - Antonio Galloni (Oct 2024)