Bruno Giacosa - Barolo DOCG 1970

Bruno Giacosa – Barolo DOCG 1970

1. Introduction

The Bruno Giacosa Barolo DOCG 1970 is one of Piedmont’s legendary wines and an outstanding example of the artistry of the great Bruno Giacosa. The 1970 vintage dates from a time when Giacosa – even before he acquired his own winery (Azienda Agricola Falletto) – sourced grapes from the most renowned cru vineyards and crafted masterpieces from them. The wine is now prized by collectors and connoisseurs alike and fetches remarkable prices at auction.

2. The Winery and the Winemaker

Bruno Giacosa (who passed away in January 2018) was one of the leading figures in the Italian wine industry, particularly in the Barolo and Barbaresco appellations. From the age of 13, he helped his family in the wine cellar and was introduced at an early age to the art of selecting grapes during the harvest. This early influence enabled him to build a reputation as a top négociant.

From the 1960s to the 1990s, Giacosa built his reputation on a perfect knowledge of the Barolo and Barbaresco terroirs, which enabled him to acquire the finest grapes for his cuvées. The 1970s ‘White Labels’ – including the Barolo Vigna Rionda – are now considered exceptionally ready to drink and delicious.

At the estate , the red wines are macerated in temperature-controlled stainless-steel tanks, whilst the Barberas and Nebbiolos are aged in large oak barrels. Depending on the vintage ,the ageing process takes between one and three years, before the wine is stored in the bottle for a further period.

3. The wine in detail

The Barolo DOCG Villero di Castiglione Fallettounder consideration here comes from the prestigious Villero vineyard in Castiglione Falletto. The plot from which the grapes for this cuvée are sourced formerly belonged to the Fratelli Sordo family , who began bottling their own wines in 1997 – bringing to an end three decades of Giacosa bottlings from Villero.

Viticultural details:

• Grape variety: Nebbiolo

• Alcohol content: 13%

• Colour: Red

• Serving temperature: 15 °C

• Production method: Environmentally friendly / organic viticulture

The grapes were harvested by hand and fermented in stainless steel tanks at a moderate temperature for between two and three weeks, before being aged for three to four years in large French oak barrels.

4. Tasting notes

4.1 Appearance

After many years in the cellar, this Villero presents a light red colour with emerging orange hues, characteristic of a mature Barolo. The colour is remarkably well preserved for a wine of this age.

4.2 Nose

The bouquet remains dominated by red fruits, liquorice and spices, which have taken onnuances of black tea and tar over time . A tasting note from CellarTracker describes the aromas as spicy, mature and subtly sweet, with complex notes of wilted dark berries, sour cherries, tar, a hint of earth and old leather. These are complemented by sweeter hints of cherry jam, a touch of salty liquorice powder and a crisp note of fresh, tart cranberry.

Another connoisseur describes the 1970 Barolo Vigna Rionda as“elegant andgraceful” with sweet notes, menthol aromas, superb balance on the palate and excellent acidity.

4.3 Palate

On the palate, the wine is velvety, perfectly balanced and full of lovely energy. Woody, tertiary notes underline its maturity, and the wine displays great length on the palate.

5. Rating and Classification

The 1970 Bruno Giacosa Barolo is describedby connoisseurs as a masterpiece of Barolo and of Bruno Giacosa in particular.

In the hierarchy of Giacosa wines, it is worth noting that the ‘White Labels’ – such as this 1970 Vigna Rionda – are already exceptional wines. However, the ‘Red Labels’ (“Red Labels” / Riserva) in particularly good vintages, however, achieve an even greater intensity and are described as “freaks of nature” . Nevertheless, the 1970 White Label wine is “very much alive” and offers a magnificent tasting experience.

6. Market prices and auction results

The 1970 Bruno Giacosa Barolo commands high prices on the secondary market:

Prices are subject to some variation depending on the condition of the bottle (level of liquid, label) and the auction house.

7. Conclusion

The Bruno Giacosa Barolo DOCG 1970 is a vivid testament to Bruno Giacosa’s golden era as a négociant. Having spent over 50 years in the bottle, it is in impressive condition: complex aromas of red fruit, liquorice, tea and tar, a velvety texture and remarkable energy on the palate. For collectors and lovers of mature Barolos ,this wine is a highly sought-after item, fetching prices of over €400 per bottle at auctions.

As one connoisseur aptly remarked: “A magnificent wine from Vigna Rionda” – and one that, even after more than five decades, has not yet had its final say.