Castello di Verduno Barolo Massara — Verduno, Piedmont 2020
Castello di Verduno is one of Piedmont's most historic estates, occupying a castle constructed in the early 1500s in Verduno — the northernmost commune of Barolo — and owned by the Burlotto family since 1909. The Massara vineyard sits on chalky clay soils known as Marne di Sant'Agata (30% sand, 55% clay, 15% limestone), farm...Show More >
Castello di Verduno Barolo Massara — Verduno, Piedmont 2020
Castello di Verduno is one of Piedmont's most historic estates, occupying a castle constructed in the early 1500s in Verduno — the northernmost commune of Barolo — and owned by the Burlotto family since 1909. The Massara vineyard sits on chalky clay soils known as Marne di Sant'Agata (30% sand, 55% clay, 15% limestone), farmed organically and hand-harvested in the first or second week of October. The 2020 vintage was vinified in open-top wooden vats with a remarkable 61-day maceration using the traditional submerged cap method, then aged 31 months in large Austrian and Slavonian botti grandi, followed by one month in stainless steel and 18 months in bottle before release. Just 5,940 bottles and 30 magnums were produced. Bottled unfined and unfiltered.
The nose is inviting and open: ripe cherries, raspberry seed, fresh flowers, fresh herbs, and a delightful note of cola that melds seamlessly with mixed red fruits both fresh and preserved. On the palate, it is medium-bodied and elegant with lovely zesty lift, opulent texture, fine tannins, and a kiss of sweet berried fruit through the finish. Juicy, fresh, and structured — highly appealing now with a wide window for enjoyment through 2040.
Jeb Dunnuck 92 — "Elegant and inviting, with fine tannins and a kiss of sweet berried fruit through the finish." | Wine Enthusiast 91 — "Lushness kept in check by fine tannins, ensuring each sip remains structured and elegant. Drink Now–2040."
-
Producer: Castello di Verduno, Verduno, Piedmont, Italy
-
Vintage: 2020
-
Appellation: Barolo DOCG
-
Vineyard: Massara — Marne di Sant'Agata soils (30% sand, 55% clay, 15% limestone)
-
Varietal: 100% Nebbiolo
-
Viticulture: Practicing organic, hand-harvested
-
Vinification: 61-day maceration, open-top wooden vats, submerged cap
-
Aging: 31 months in Austrian & Slavonian botti grandi, 1 month stainless steel, 18 months bottle
-
Production: 5,940 bottles + 30 magnums
-
Size: 750ml
-
Tasting Notes: Ripe cherry, raspberry, cola, fresh flowers, herbs, fine tannins, zesty finish
-
Drink: Now through 2040
-
Best Paired With: Braised short ribs, roast lamb, truffle risotto, aged Parmigiano, wild boar ragù
A classically structured Verduno Barolo from one of Piedmont's most storied estates — Massara 2020 is patience rewarded and elegance defined.
< Show Less
