Brandini - Barolo "Annunziata" 2018 (750ml)
Brandini Description
The Agricola Brandini estate, located in the village of Borgata Brandini in the commune of La Morra and sits at the top of a hill from which it enjoys the most amazing view of the surrounding landscape. They only grow indigenous grape varieties and everything is cultivated organically with a focus on the environment and nature. They produce outstanding wines from Dolcetto D’Alba, Barbera D’Alba, Langhe Rosso, Langhe Nebbiolo and Barolo. The Brandini estate, which includes about 14 hectares of Barolo-classified vineyards, is run by Piero Bagnasco and his daughters, Giovanna and Serena.
Brandini is a relative newcomer to the hallowed hills of Barolo, but their star is on the rise thanks to a holistic approach and choice vineyards in La Morra and Serralunga. As in Burgundy, the wines are all about the nuances imparted by singular vineyard sites. Reaching to 450 meters in elevation in some spots, which puts it among the higher-altitude sites in the area, the “Brandini” cru is one of the best in the region. Its vineyards are known for elegant, perfumed, fine-tuned expressions while adding some firmness and structure to enhance ageability. The soils here are clay mixed with limestone marl. This is an old-school style of wine from a relative newcomer in the region—one with a serious commitment to organic farming and minimal-intervention winemaking. The work to achieve excellent quality, genuine wines starts in the vineyards, where they employ short pruning and meticulous bunch thinning techniques and harvesting the grapes only when they are fully ripe.
Brandini uses the phrase “Organic Human Barolo” to describe its wines; the vineyards are indeed certified organic and the wines are aged in large, used oak casks with minimal amounts of added sulfur at bottling.
The Annunziata Cru is our second expression of La Morra. The vineyard grows at altitudes of half hill and contains body and elegance. The aromas and flavors are more concentrated, but they do not cover the fineness. A perfect Barolo for those who love the structure that embraces a gentle tannin.
Tasting Note: Elegant perfume with notes of red fruit and sweet tobacco. Intense with a soft tannic texture that is well incorporated, good freshness on the finish.
