Historic Barolo Estate Delivers Approachability from “One of the Most Celebrated Vineyards”

New Arrivals: The Single Vineyard Barolo from the Historic Piemonte Estate and Prized Grand-Cru Like Slopes of Bussia Delivers a Burgundian Touch! Wines In-Stock Ready To Ship.

“From one of the most celebrated vineyards in Monforte d’Alba…” - The Wine Advocate

“Prunotto is another historic estate...continues to make waves in Piedmont with the recent introduction of new wines that show increased commitment to the region. Just as importantly, the wines continue to move in the direction of refinement, something that is evident across this full range of Barolos and Barbarescos. Today’s wines are aromatic, translucent and polished." - Antonio Galloni, VInous

We have to admit, James Suckling might have expressed it best a few years back on the 

Prunotto Barolo Bussia when he stated, “…this smells like top Burgundy.” What we would more aptly add is that this is one of the most Burgundian-like, and elegant Barolo’s we have smelled and tasted. The House style at this address is finesse and elegance; absent here are the hard edges and firm tannins that can often make the “King of Wines” so intimidating in its youth. There is something magical about the soft touch of Prunotto, in fact, this is among the most approachable and charming young Barolo we have tasted from the 2020 vintage…and even with the ripe vintage it is all about elegance, succulent red fruit, tar, and roses!

We might add that with the 2020 vintage there is even more charm with less austerity, thanks to the growing season. The historic Piemonte estate became a reference point for the noble Nebbiolo during the 1960’s thru 1980’s when pioneering winemaker Beppe Colla crafted legendary cru Barolo and Barbaresco (and some of the longest-lived Barberas) from the prized Langhe vineyards. Over the past decade or so, with the quiet support of the Antinori family, the estate has reestablished itself as a rising star of Piemonte with exceptional expressions of cru Barolo, Barbaresco, and Barbera, as well as their Langhe Rosso. The 2020 Prunotto Barolo Bussia is a worthy follow up to the the best selling 2019 with easier drinking appeal and is a marked return to the glory years at this estate.

What you should know is that the grapes derive from a small, seven-hectare plot in the prized Bussia vineyards – made famous by the late and iconic Aldo Conterno. This is another elegant wine from the Prunotto estate that captures the more classic and feminine aspects of Monforte d’Alba and can be enjoyed today and age well for tomorrow. Best of all the wines arrive this week and will be ready to ship.

FEATURED WINE: The Elegant Single-Vineyard Barolo Prunotto

ADDITIONAL NOTES AND REVIEWS:

2020 PRUNOTTO BAROLO BUSSIA

Christopher Deas, Italian Wine Merchants: “It sounds redundant, but once again, there is something magical about the soft touch of Prunotto, there is always elegance here, and the wines always seem to capture the red fruited and rose side of the noble Nebbiolo. We had this wine and what was so striking about it is just how approachable this single vineyard Barolo is once again (it is simply the signature of the estate - approachability with age-ability). The generous fruit and well-managed tannins deliver a softer and more feminine side from the historic slopes of Monforte d’ Alba in the hands of the Antinori team at Prunotto. The tannins are present but there are no hard edges here. This is a Barolo for those that appreciate the silky and elegant side to the noble Nebbiolo. With its enticing Jolly Rancher like nose, you can expect the signature notes of macerated strawberries, wild berries, citrus peel, sweet licorice, a touch of Chinese spice, tea leaves, smoke, rose petals with an accenting green herbal note. The wine subtly stains the mid palate and echoes across the finish. There truly is a Burgundian touch here and this wine has the delicious approachable factor! Decanting and aeration recommended for today, the best is to come with age.”

Antonio Galloni, Vinous: “The 2020 Barolo Bussia is an elegant, beguiling wine. It offers all the intense spice and balsamic character typical of Bussia, with a bit more presence and overall body than the other wines in the range. It’s a combination that works quite well. This is impeccably done."

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."

Kerin O' Keefe: "The 2020 Bussia from Prunotto embodies the open nature of the vintage and the characteristic balance this site is known for. It opens with heady scents of camphor, new leather, rose and spice while the elegantly structured palate shows juicy raspberry, licorice and crushed mint alongside taut, refined tannins. Drink 2025–2032."

This is an email ONLY offer! If you would like to take advantage of this offer that is available until 11:59pm, Jan 8th, we are asking that you email orders to chris.deas@italianwinemerchants.com connect with your portfolio manager or mention receipt of this offer if calling the store. All orders are subject to confirmation. IWM is not responsible for typographical errors.

All my best,

Chris