Hi,
I don’t have much experience with Barolo, so hoping someone could help me out. Looking for input on these producers:
Giacoma Anselma
Burlotto
Elvio Cogno
Cavallotto
Giuseppe Mascarello
Massolino
Luigi Oddero
Vietti
Damilano
Ferdinando Principiano
I live in Norway, so there are some limitations regarding availability (because of the monopoly), for example the only Vietti listed is the Castiglione 2010. Vintages from the other producers are mainly 2006, 2008 and 2010.
Any advice would be greatly appreciated!
Hi Endre
At least there is a decent range there, from some cheaper higher volume producers such as Oddero and Damilano, to some smaller production / higher priced producers such as Cavallotto and Mascarello.
Burlotto’s Acclivi might be a good starting point - essentially their basic Barolo and hence a little more approachable. I like pretty much everything I’ve tasted from them, so also worth trying their Barbera, Sauvignon Blanc etc. as well as the Barolos (none of which are really that expensive).
Cavallotto have also impressed me across the range, and again in a little thread drift, I’ll put in a good word for their Dolcetto ‘Vigna Scot’ which I find very complex for a Dolcetto.
Anselma and Principiano I have no experience with, despite Anselma being a historic producer IIRC.
In terms of vintages, nothing to avoid there, but 2006 should be one that should need longer in the cellar than the others.
Do you have any like-minded wine enthusiasts / tasting groups nearby? Barolo can be such a challenging drink when < 15 years old, and it would be great if you can get the chance to taste something with genuine age (20-40 years old) as for many this is when the wine becomes most interesting.
regards
Ian
Buy 2008 Mascarello, Cavallotto and Burlotto. Luigi Oddero I thought was not part of Fratelli Oddero, and the quality of their wines has improved markedly. You will need to wait 15-20 years to enjoy 06 and 10, whereas 08 is very well balanced and not as fiercely tannic. Vietti’s Castiglione is always a good value, but they have raised their pricing significantly in 2010, as has Mascarello.
Giuseppe Mascarello is among the best very traditional barolo.In good vintages it need a lot of time in the cellar,and the prices are going up,so i would try to get hands on older vintages.
Burlotto,also traditional pruducer.Makes very elegant barolo ,try the Monvigilero.but all their barolo are good value for Money.
You’ll find comments on a number of these producers in this other current thread.
Of the producers listed my top three:
1 Vietti
2 Cavallotto
3 G. Mascarello - knowing that the wines can be irregular
Not sure you have access to them but Brovia is also a good producer. If you stick to the base Barolo and avoid the single vineyard wines prices should be good. All the vintages you list are very good- great.