Prunotto Bric Turot Barbaresco DOCG 2019
(Piedmont, Italy) - [WE 95] [WS 94] [JS 94] [TWI 92]

About the Winery:
Following World War II, Alfredo Prunotto and his wife took over and restored an old cooperative winery called "Vini delle Langhe", establishing a new era under the Prunotto name. Prunotto imposed new standards on production, elevating the level of quality and succeeding in exporting his wines to several countries. Prunotto was the first winery to individually select grapes from the finest vineyards and to designate the name of the vineyard (cru) as a symbol of the quality and specific characteristics of the wine. The Antinori group purchased the winery in 1989 and made great investments towards improvements. The strategic vision brought by Antinori is well represented by the acquisition of prominent vineyards in the most exclusive areas: the Bussia vineyard, acquired in 1990, and the Bric Turot vineyard, bought in 1997, to name two.

Prunotto's desire to control every detail in all phases of production, starting from the vine and ending in the glass has become a distinctive feature of their high quality. The balance between tradition and innovation continues to be a distinctive feature of Prunotto wines. The meticulous care for each bottle is the result of a century of experience, great passion for wine and love for the land of Piedmont. These characteristics made Prunotto a leader in the production of Alba's finest wines.

Notes from the Winemaker:
This balanced and pleasant Barbaresco is the result of a combination of factors: the vineyard’s diversified exposure due to the shape of the “bricco” (the summit of a hill in local dialect), a specific clonal selection and aging in barrels of different capacities.

Vintage Notes:
Despite several snow events and limited rainfall, winter 2019 saw higher than average temperatures prompting early budding especially in those vineyards with the most favorable sunlight exposure. The month of April until the end of May brought cold temperatures and rain showers that affected flowering, reducing the number of berries per cluster resulting in lower yields. June delivered a hot, dry summer which was followed by rain during the last half of July. Optimal day/night temperature swings in August and frequent cluster thinning in the vineyards assured optimal berry development and ripening and preserved whole, healthy fruit.  September began with a period of brief yet intense rainstorms that gave way to higher temperatures and clear sunny weather until mid-October.  This wasn’t an easy vintage, with an extended harvest window and limited yields however, the grapes were of impeccable quality. Harvesting operations began on October 12^th and were completed on October 19^th.

Harvest and Vinification:
Immediately upon arrival in the cellar, grapes were destemmed and crushed. Maceration on the skins took place over a period of approximately 10 days at a temperature that did not exceed 30 °C (86 °F). Malolactic fermentation was completed before winter. The wine was aged in oak barrels of varying capacities for about 12 months. Bric Turot was then aged in the bottle for a year before being released.

Tasting Notes:
Bric Turot is an intense garnet red color with dark ruby highlights. The nose is opulent, generous, and complex with intense floral notes of violets and roses that balance with impressions of raspberries, strawberries, and spicy sensations. The full-bodied palate is mellow, very well balanced with pleasantly structured tannins.

Ratings & Reviews

95 Points - Wine Enthusiast:
"A lovely fragrance of camphor, iris and perfumed berry leads the nose. Linear, focused and delicious, the palate offers juicy red cherry, raspberry and cake spice alongside taut, refined tannins. It's young but already well-balanced, with bright acidity. Drink 2027–2034." - Kerin O’Keefe (Sep 2022)

94 Points - Wine Spectator:
"An elegant, vibrant red, with cherry and strawberry flavors shaded by rose, licorice and spice. This is all about balance and finesse, with a long, complex and mouthwatering aftertaste. Best from 2025 through 2042. 210 cases imported." - Bruce Sanderson (Dec 2022)

94 Points - James Suckling:
"Dark strawberries with lots of dried flowers, sandalwood and stone. Medium-bodied with very fine tannins and a fresh, complex finish. Firm and creamy at the end. Better in 2024 and onwards, but already beautiful." (Jul 2022)

92 Points - The Wine Independent:
"There is a medium-deep, pale tone to this 2019 Prunotto Barbaresco Bric Turot. The Bric Turot vineyard is at the summit of the hill and so benefits from several different exposures. The Prunotto winery has a long and noble history in the area but the wines had begun to fall in quality from what they once were. In 1994 the Antinori family, who had helped with distribution since 1989, took over the wine production. This 2019 seems very ripe, with sweet almost confected strawberry at first but it settles into bright, red fruits. This is followed on the palate by a refreshing, juicy acidity and some very finely integrated tannins. It just needs a little more depth and concentration in the middle. However, this is a fresh, lively and enjoyable wine with a tangy persistence. Wait one to two years, then drink for 20 plus." – Susan Hulme (Jul 2022)