Barolo is a wine that is not generally made to drink young. The traditional styles especially reward lengthy cellaring with smooth, complex wines exhibiting both power and grace. Early on the power is a bit brawny, and the profile has yet to integrate. In more recent times producers have been employing a more modern approach, and the wines can be enjoyed at a younger age. I like both styles really, but there is nothing quite like an old, perfectly aged Barolo. Part of this is the grape, Nebbiolo, which can make big, age worthy wines. Part of this is the winemaker and technique.
If you’ve ever visited a more traditional winery in Barolo, you’ve seen the rows of giant oak barrels, holding 2000 liters or more. One barrel, no longer used, which we saw at Fontanafredda held 30,000 liters. It was made of chestnut and dated back a hundred years. This is a land steeped in tradition, and while progress is inevitable, it’s nice that some things don’t change completely.
That said, here we’ll review a wine made in more of a modern style. The great thing is that it is delicious right now and will also last a long time.
Wine: 2020 Marengo Barolo
Winery Location: Barolo DOCG, Piedmont, Italy
Tasted By: Neil & Cheri Date: January 2025
Tasting Notes: this wine has a bright, and complex nose filled with cherry and some of the classic “tar and roses” quality Barolo is know for. Throw in some tobacco, orange peel and baking spice and you have a very complex wine. This was aged for two years in french oak, and is excellent.
Price Point – prices are all over the place if you look online, from $35 to $75. We saw it near us for $45 and I think that is a good expected price point.
Would We Buy It? – Yes, this is a solid Barolo you can drink now.
Anytime you find a quality Barolo for under $50 it is a good value. We recommend this one, but don’t pay the higher $75 price point. This is an excellent $45-$50 wine.
A votre santé!
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