2018 Barolo, Bricco Ambrogio, Bruna Grimaldi, Piedmont, Italy
About this WINE
Cantina Bruna Grimaldi
In the 1950s, Giacomo Grimaldi set his family on a quality winemaking path. This saw him move away from bulk production, introduce pioneering viticultural practices, nurture vineyard wellbeing and introduce vintage bottlings. In 1990, the winery passed into the hands of his daughter Bruna, after whom the cantina was consequently renamed.
The Grimaldi family have deep roots in the Langhe; their original vineyards link the ancient hills between Grinzane Cavour and Serralunga d’Alba. Over the generations, their holdings have expanded across the northern and eastern areas of the Barolo area, totalling 14 hectares, and they’ve been certified organic since 2013. The winery is based in the north-east corner of Barolo, in the cru of Grinzane Cavour, and today the property is run by Bruna’s two children, Simone and Martina.
Nebbiolo
Nebbiolo is the grape behind the Barolo and Barbaresco wines and is hardly ever seen outside the confines of Piedmont. It takes its name from "nebbia" which is Italian for fog, a frequent phenomenon in the region.
A notoriously pernickety grape, it requires sheltered south-facing sites and performs best on the well-drained calcareous marls to the north and south of Alba in the DOCG zones of Barbaresco and Barolo.
Langhe Nebbiolo is effectively the ‘second wine’ of Piedmont’s great Barolo & Barbarescos. This DOC is the only way Langhe producers can declassify their Barolo or Barbaresco fruit or wines to make an early-drinking style. Unlike Nebbiolo d’Alba, Langhe Nebbiolo can be cut with 15% other red indigenous varieties, such as Barbera or Dolcetto.
Nebbiolo flowers early and ripens late, so a long hang time, producing high levels of sugar, acidity and tannins; the challenge being to harvest the fruit with these three elements ripe and in balance. The best Barolos and Barbarescos are perfumed with aromas of tar, rose, mint, chocolate, liquorice and truffles. They age brilliantly and the very best need ten years to show at their best.
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Description
Bricco Ambrogio is the only cru in the commune of Roddi. It perches on a steep, south-facing slope; the 40-year-old vines here are rooted deep in sandy, grey marl soils. The wine is macerated and fermented on skins for 27 days, with 24 months in 30-hectolitre botti grande. With delicate tannins and nimble brightness, this is ample, nuanced and richly rewarding. Drink 2023-2036.
Davy Żyw, Wine Buyer, Berry Bros. & Rudd (Mar 2022)
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