This wine wasn’t for my wedding anniversary.
It was for my work anniversary.
A fabulous 2021 Barolo from Prunotto.
Only my second time tasting a Barolo – the first was ages ago, back during my wine-tasting classes. Remember those? I even wrote a short piece once about how those sessions sparked my fascination with all things wine.
I bought this Barolo from my local wine dealer. I walked in and made a beeline for the spot where I’d last seen a few bottles of Barolo – but to my surprise, they were gone. Turns out, the merchant had moved them. Unaware of this, I asked if he still had any, because I was hoping to get one. He pointed to the shelf with the only Barolo left – a Prunotto.
What followed was a string of enthusiastic descriptions about how magnificent it was, as if he still needed to convince me. He didn’t. My mind was already made up. I wanted to taste this wine.
My wife was already briefed on my intentions, so she masterfully prepared a few delicious snacks to pair with this splendid wine.
Before our first sips, I had opened the bottle about three hours in advance – plenty of time for the Barolo to breathe. Since this was a young one (under ten years), it needed around two to three hours. Older Barolos typically benefit from about an hour less, and much older ones can be ready with just under an hour of aeration.
Like all Barolos, this one is made from Nebbiolo grapes grown in Italy’s Piedmont region.
Hopefully, the photos capture it – the color was a gorgeous brick red. On the nose, there were hints of clay, rose, and just a teaspoon of leather.
Honestly, if you’re a red wine drinker, this is the red wine. In some circles, Barolo is known as the king of wines – or the wine of kings. And after tasting it, you understand why. Even if you don’t fully grasp it right away, you can sense why others might say that.
Barolo. Branson. Belmont. Brawn. Balerion.
There’s something about words that start with a B and have at least one r – they just sound strong. You want to say them out loud, over and over, until your wife eventually tells you to shut up.
Is it just me?
What do you think of these photos? Do they measure up to the ones I took of Les Hauts de Martet?
I hope I’ve managed to show you just how much I enjoyed this – and how deeply I’d been thirsting for a Barolo.
Remember:
Drink less, but Barolo.
Kindly,
Olaaf
