PRUNOTTO | Barbaresco | 2019
nebbiolo

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Founded in 1905 as a winemaking co-op, today Prunotto is under the patronage of the famous Antinori family, who seeks to maintain the estate’s rich history, but more importantly the genuine character and elegance of the famous Barolo and Barbaresco wines. Producing wines for more than a century, Prunotto is one of northern Italy’s most famous wineries. Nestled in Alba, in the heart of Langhe (Piemonte), halfway between the famous Barbaresco and Barolo, the Prunotto vineyards stretch throughout Langhe and Roero.

Today we are going to review a single-varietal nebbiolo wine from its homeland, the famous Piemonte appellation in northern Italy – Barbaresco 2019 by Prunotto. Nebbiolo is a very old grape and one of Italy’s most important red grape varieties that produces the famous Barolo and Barbaresco wines in the Piedmont appellation, known for their pale color (as pale as pinot noir), delicate flavours and grippy tannins. The name ‘nebbiolo‘ derives from italian ‘nebbia‘, which means ‘fog‘. It is possible that the name is related to the white, powder-like natural bloom found on the grape berries that appears during harvest season, or maybe it is related to the fact that the best nebbiolo sites are located high on the hills, above the fog line that covers the most of the vineyards in Piemonte. Along with its thin skins, there are other parallels with pinot noir, like for example that fact that nebbiolo is also incredibly difficult to grow and manage in the vineyard, as it flowers early, ripens late and can struggle to ripen fully in all but the sunniest sites. It also seems to prefer specific hillside locations and clay or silt-based soils. Another similarity to pinot noir, is that nebbiolo is also considered to be a “terroir-expressive” variety, in that it picks up more of the earth, soil and climate characteristics compared to other grape varieties, which means that it can taste wildly different, depending on where exactly it was grown. This particular wine is classified as a Barbaresco D.O.C.G., made of 100% nebbiolo grapes and signed by the famous Antinori family. In order to preserve those prized and delicate varietal characteristics of the nebbiolo grapes, the wine has been aged for approximately one year in oak barrels of varying capacities, allowing it to develop greater complexity. But enough theory, that said and without further ado, let’s take a look at the wine tasting results.
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Take a look at the tasting notes below and our detailed assessment of the wine:

//Visual
color: pale copper color
clarity: hazy copper shades

//Olfactory
intensity: rich & herbal
fruit character: ripe

On the first nose, this wine unveils a ripe fruit character, supported by a nuanced, vegetal accent. The forefront reveals a delightful medley of redcurrants, cranberries, and wolfberries, that are accompanied by a symphony of vegetal and herbal hints that add a layer of sophistication to the aromatic tapestry. Notes of brown olives, sun-drenched tomatoes and wormwood emerge, enhancing the overall olfactory experience. As the aromatic journey deepens, the background reveals a subtle woody accent, intertwining earthy undertones reminiscent of clay and loam, with notes of sun-dried oakwood and rose hips. This harmonious marriage of vibrant fruits and grounded earthiness, creates a well-balanced ensemble, offering a wine with a profound depth, seamlessly connecting to the terroir from which it originates.

//Palate
sweetness: dry | acidity: medium+ | alcohol: high | tannin: high | balance: good
finish: medium | aftertaste: seedy

On the palate, this wine delivers a striking balance between power and delicacy, showcasing a nuanced vegetal character. The mouthfeel is marked by crisp acidity, that enlivens the senses, supported by ripe & grippy tannins, that deliver a firm tannic punch on the mouthfeel, thus elevating the wine’s overall structure, and a quite touch of alcoholic warmth, that adds depth and complexity on the palate. The finish is adorned with a seedy aftertaste, leaving a lasting and appealing sensation. Throughout the tasting experience, the harmonious marriage of oak-derived notes with terroir-driven flavors adds an extra layer of sophistication. This is a wine that managed to deliver that rustic and honest delicacy of a Barbaresco.

//Verdict
maturity: developing | almost there | drink now or in the next 3 years
verdict: fine | highly recommended | a wine of premium quality with good potential

All in all, this is a supple, ample and rich Barbaresco wine with good varietal typicity of the nebbiolo grape variety. The palate offers a vegetal, terroir-driven accent, showcasing a genuine rustic delicacy, while the slightly angular mouthfeel exhibits some oxidative hints, resulting in a wine that, in its current state, feels somewhat unbalanced and lacks harmony between all its elements. Despite this, the wine’s round and velvety texture, coupled with the voluptuous and rich character, creates a captivating tasting experience. While additional bottle aging may enhance its overall balance, this wine remains enjoyable today without compromising its aging potential.

//Scoring
PRUNOTTO | Barbaresco | 2019
variety: nebbiolo
country: Italy
region: Piedmont | Barbaresco
rating: 93.0

//Prediction
predicted RP rating: 90

//RP Rating

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This is definitely a fine wine of Italy and, with a total of 93.0 points scored, this wine is right there, among the best wines we’ve rated so far. Check our complete database on the wine rating page, where you can find all the wines that we have tasted and reviewed or go to the about us page and find out more about our exquisite rating system.

Pairing: Judging by the wine’s rustic and delicate flavor profile, we would recommend to pair it with a classic Vitello Tonnato. The supple and ample palate of the wine, with its red fruit flavors and subtle oak undertones, will harmonize seamlessly with the tender veal and creamy tuna sauce of the Vitello Tonnato, while the wine’s slightly angular mouthfeel and nuanced vegetal undertones will complement the complexity of the dish. In the same key, the crisp acidity and seedy aftertaste of the wine will provide a refreshing contrast to the richness of the dish’s textures, allowing both the wine’s rustic character and the regional culinary delight to dish to shine. Cheers!

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