The Producer
G.B. Burlotto was founded by Giovan Battista Burlotto in 1850 in Verduno, a historic village famous for the production of Barolo and Peleverga. Since it’s founding, G.B. Burlotto has been committed to producing high-quality wines from the indigenous grapes of Langhe, produced in a style which allows the grapes and terroir to perfectly express themselves. Towards the end of the 18th century, Giovan Battista purchased vineyards in prime locations which today have been recognized as some of the greatest sites in all of Langhe to grow Nebbiolo; Monvigliero in Verduno, and Cannubi in Barolo. During this time, the estate began to sell their wine in bottles bearing their name. This was extraordinarily rare at the time when most sold wine in bulk casks, and very rarely did grape growers produce their own wine. Giovan Battista was known for cutting edge enological practices, and of course producing extraordinary wine. Under his leadership, the firm was awarded 32 medals for their Barolo at international wine fairs, and was awarded the titles “Supplier to the Savoy Royal Household” and “The Only Supplier to the Duke of Abruzzi’s Arctic Expedition to The North Pole 1899”. Eventually, the king awarded Giovan Battista with the rare and prestigious title of “il Commendatore”, a title given to those who show particular merit in business.
After the death of Giovan Battista the winery was passed to his son Francesco, and then to Francesco’s son Ignazio. Ignazio left his mark on the winery, the village of Verduno, and the entire wine world through his hard work and dedication to Pelaverga. At the time, WWII was taking place, and Ignazio was the only winemaker who continued to produce Pelaverga, growing his own Pelaverga grapes, and also purchasing small quantities from neighboring vineyards. Although today Pelaverga is in demand by discerning wine lovers, nearly 50 years ago it was looked down upon because of its bright garnet red color, which causes it to appear lighter than it actually is. Demand was so low at times, G.B. Burlotto didn’t attempt to sell it, and would instead give it away to friends and family. Pelaverga nearly went extinct in the 1970s, and G.B. Burlotto helped prevent this from happening.
Today, the winery is run by fourth and fifth generation Marina and Giuseppe Alessandria and their children Cristina and Fabio, who continue the amazing legacy Giovan Battista started nearly 200 years ago. G.B. Burlotto owns just over 16 hectares of vines in prime sites such as Monvigliero, Cannubi, and Castelletto, and produces wines from indigenous grape varieties such as Nebbiolo, Dolcetto, Barbera, Freisa, and Pelaverga, as well as a small production of Sauvignon Blanc. G.B. Burlotto remains committed to producing wines of the absolute highest quality, and does so without the use of predetermined formulas. They believe each vintage and harvest is unique, and needs to be treated differently. However, some things remain constant vintage after vintage; emphasis on hard work, dedication, patience, and maintaining a hands-off approach in the cellar. As a result, to this day, G.B. Butlotto continues to produce some of the most absolutely stunning wines of any producer in the world.
Technical Info
Vineyard Sites: Monvigliero, Neirane, Rocche dell’Olmo, and Boscatto Comune: Verduno Province: Cuneo Region: Piedmont Varietal Composition: 100% Nebbiolo Vinification: Grapes are de-stemmed and the must is moved by gravity into open French oak vats, where alcoholic fermentation takes place. During the maceration, delicate pumping over and punching down are carried out daily. Temperature control is utilized to prevent excessively high temperatures. Malolactic fermentation takes place in large Allier oak barrels. Aging: 20 to 33 months in Allier oak barrels, followed by a minimum of 9 months in bottle.
Technical info provided courtesy of G.B. Burlotto's Website.
Tasting Notes
Appearance: Ruby red
Aromas: An extremely expressive floral, yet masculine and earthy nose, filled with a mesmerizing array of aromas led by pine, rosemary, red rose petals, crushed cherries, raspberry and strawberry coulis, and leather, along with some tar and forest floor, all beautifully framed in delicate notes of anise and licorice.
Palate: Crushed ripe tart red cherries, anise, and smoke, along with some leather. Bright acidity and aggressive, youthful, austere tannins, that still manage to be beautifully integrated and will without a doubt reward those who wait as they mature in coming years.
Notes: This past week we celebrated our 5-year anniversary, and what better way to celebrate that to open a bottle from the year that we were married, 2017, and from one of our favorite producers, G.B. Burlotto.
A beautiful wine that, although structured and muscular, somehow manages to be light on its feet, and maintain impeccable balance. A bit tightly would at the moment, but still unbelievably enjoyable. This will without a doubt be a real superstar in another 5 or so years, but we think it will truly shine with another 10+ years. It’s hard to imagine that Barolo can be this outstanding from a vintage that was known to be so challenging. The wines of G.B. Burlotto never cease to amaze us.
We paired this wine with a grilled bone-in ribeye steak, along with homemade focaccia bread garnished with sea salt and fresh rosemary. The recipe for the focaccia was courtesy of Locanda dell’Arco, a favorite restaurant of ours in Langhe. Both items paired unbelievably well with the wine, and the rosemary brought out the wine’s signature rosemary and pine notes that we adore. A fantastic pairing that we highly recommend.
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