2020, Brezza 'Sarmassa' Barolo, Piedmont
Parker 94 (2024); Jeb Dunnuck 91 (2024)
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At a glance
- Grape
- Nebbiolo 100%
- Region
- Piedmont, Italy
- Alcohol
- 14.50%
- Body
- Full
- Acidity
- High
- Tannins
- High
- Sweetness
- Dry
- Drink
- Long (10-20 yrs)
- Pairs with
- Red Meat, Game, Pasta
Why this wine
Brezza are among the last genuinely traditional Barolo houses, working the Sarmassa cru in Barolo village itself with long macerations and large old casks. Austere in youth, and unapologetic about it. Single-cru Barolo under 80 pounds barely exists.
Our advantages:
Description
How it tastes
Muscular yet elegant, this organic Barolo offers complex aromas of red fruits, violet, leather, liquorice, and herbs, underpinned by fine tannins and long, savoury length. Complex aromas of red berries, violet, liquorice, leather, and subtle herbal notes, evolving with earthy and menthol tones. Elegant yet structured with layers of red fruit and spice balanced by fine-grained tannins. The must was fermented with minimal sulphur and macerated for 10–15 days with regular pump-overs for gentle extraction. After malolactic conversion in cement vats at 18°C, the wine matured for two years in large Slavonian oak casks (15–30 hL). This approach yields purity, balance, and a savoury, gamey character distinctive of Sarmassa. Contains sulphites. Information provided to the best of our knowledge at time of publication and subject to change by vintage.
The producer
The Brezza family owns 12.5 hectares of vineyards divided among Barolo's key Crus — Cannubi, Castellero, and Sarmassa — along with additional sites in Monforte d’Alba, Novello, and Santa Rosalia near Alba. The estate has been certified organic since 2015, reflecting its long-standing commitment to environmentally friendly viticulture. Winemaker Enzo Brezza champions a traditional, minimalist approach to highlight Nebbiolo's purity and terroir expression. Wines are bottled with glass Vinolok closures to preserve freshness and authenticity.
Food and drinking
Good with red meat, game and pasta. Drinking well now, with a decade or more ahead of it. Serve at 16–18°C.