G. B. Burlotto Barolo 1971

Report: G.B. Burlotto Barolo 1971

(Monforte d'Alba, Piedmont, Italy)

1. historical context & winery

• Winery _##########_0__. Burlotto: Founded in Verduno in 1850, is one of the most traditional Barolo producers. Particularly famous for the "Vigna Monvigliero" vineyard, whose unfiltered, intensely perfumed wines already delighted Queen Margherita in the 19th century.

• Vintage 1971: A legendary vintage in Piedmont - dry, warm summer with optimal grape ripeness, considered one of the longest-lived vintages of the 1970s.

• Winemaker's philosophy: Burlotto always worked in a minimally invasive manner (long maceration, large wooden barrels), which makes the 1971 an authentic representative of the classic Barolo style.

2. sensory profile (based on historical tastings)

• Colour: Now garnet red with amber reflections (typical of mature Nebbiolo).

• Nose: Complex aromatic pyramid:

  • Tertiary aromas: truffle, leather, tobacco, damp earth.

  • Secondary notes: dried plums, liquorice, walnut.

  • Residual primary fruit: fading cherry jam, orange crust.

• Palate:

  • Structure: silky tannins (smoothed by ageing), lively acidity.

  • Flavour: Harmonious interplay of umami (soy sauce), balsamic vinegar and dried herbs. Long-lasting finish with mineral finesse (chalk, iron).

• Ageing potential: Peak in the 1990s, today a "meditation wine" for lovers of developed flavours. Only intact bottles show their full splendour.

3. specialities & rarity

• Production: Small quantities - Burlotto was a niche winemaker at the time (in contrast to today's fame).

• Traditional vinification: No temperature-controlled fermentation, no barriques → pure expression of the terroir.

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4. importance in the Barolo pantheon

• Contrast to modern Barolos: No extract-orientation, but filigree complexity.

• Contemporary document: Represents the pre-modern Barolo style before the "rebellion" of the 1980s (Barolo Wars).

• Comparison with 1971 icons: Similar elegance to Bartolo Mascarello 1971, but with a more prominent earthy note.

5. recommendations for tasting

• Decanting: 2-3 hours before to separate sediment and develop flavours.

• Temperature: 16-18°C.

• Pairing: Game dishes (venison with porcini mushrooms), risotto with truffles or on its own as a "contemplation wine".

"A Barolo that breathes history - not a powerhouse, but a poetic archive of the terroir."
(Statement by an Italian wine journalist, 2010)

Note:As this wine is extremely rare, it is worth documenting the bottle number and condition when tasting. Current vintages of Burlotto (##########_2__. Barolo Monvigliero) continue the philosophy - albeit with a more elegant tannin structure.

Sources: Kerin O'Keefe, Barolo and Barbaresco (2014); Slow Wine Guide; auction reports (Antique Wine, Wine Searcher).