Pale-medium garnet color; raspberry, cranberry, cherry, mint hint, eucalyptus, violet, licorice, black tea on the nose and palate.
Dry; elegant, suave tannins; slightly subdued but balancing acidity acidity (5.74 g/L TA). Medium tannins and acidity make this especially smooth easy drinker, especially after a bit of air—swirls in large glass is sufficient, decant if you wish. Easy-going, enjoyable finish. At five years old, this is perfect for a pure nebbiolo play—Barolo must be 100% nebbiolo under DOCG regulations (same for Barbaresco)—that will leave you with regrets when you make the final pour and realize you did not buy more. 14.5% ABV
The history of Gianni Gagliardo Winery dates to 1847 when the Colla family began cultivating vineyards in Piedmont’s Langhe region. They farmed in several different regions, from Santo Belbo (moscato) to Diano d’Alba (dolcetto), finally settling at La Morra in the heart of Barolo country. Paolo Colla, born in 1913, obtained a small farmhouse with a vineyard to produce Barrolo, switching from his successful dolecetto production in 1961.
Paolo’s only daughter, Marivanna Colla, married Gianni Gagliardo in 1972. Today’s winery was established in 1973. Gianni’s first wine was made using the favorita (the Piedmontese version of vermentino), a grape that was nearly extinct when Gianni first championed it. Today the winery makes 80% of all favorita wine in the world.
When Paolo Colla died in 1981, Gianni inherited the estate. He renamed the winery to his name in 1986. Today the sixth generation—Gianni’s sons Stefan, Alberto, and Paolo—operate the winery. Stefano is the head winemaker, Alberto supervises the vineyards, and Paolo manages daily operations. Gianni remains active in the business. The winery is known as one of the top Barolo producers in Piedmont. They operate eight Barolo Cru vineyards across five municipalities. Vineyards are certified organic and adhere to biodynamic principles.
Gianni Gagliardo Barolo DOCG 2020 is all you want in a Barolo pour. Exceptional balance and velvety drinkability. The 2020 growing season was ideal, and this effort reflects that. Using grapes harvested from multiple vineyards across the denomination, this sets the standard for quality Barolo. Sophisticated, wonderfully drinkable now (after five years), but easily could be good for another five. $65-77
Pairing—Rich meat dishes, ribeye, slow-cooked braised veal (osso buco with risotto Milanese; braised pork, lamb, duck, and wild game strews. Pairs very well with truffles; white truffel risotto, tajarin pasta with Alba white truffle, simple fried egg with shaved white truffle (classic Piedmont dish). Pasta with meat sauces; tagliatelle with sausage ragù, fresh egg pasta with Bolognese, handmade orecchiette. Wild mushroom polenta, porcini risotto, mushroom-based sauces. Cheese—Castelmagno DOP, Toma Piemontese DOP, taleggio, aged parmigiano-reggiano, grana padano, aged pecorino.
