From: Piedmont, Italy
Varietal: Nebbiolo
Taste & Critical Acclaim: It is a near-perfect wine that embodies everything we dream of in a bottle. The nose is a lively celebration of ripe cherries as if warmed by the sun in their basket, accompanied by an enticing blend of sweet spices, drying flowers, and subtle hints of earth. The wine is lifted, vibrant, and remarkably fresh on the palate, captivating the senses with its sheer beauty. This is a wine that truly sings, hitting all the right notes and leaving you enchanted with each sip. It's a masterpiece that showcases the art of winemaking at its finest. Drink Now - 2045 — 98 Points, Jeff Porter, Wine Enthusiast
"The Comm. G.B. Burlotto 2020 Barolo Castelletto is a driven wine that sails across the senses with inner power and grit. There are bright, clean berry aromas with tart cassis, more red flower rather than blue flower (maybe geranium or heritage rose), with iron ore or ferrous mineral at the back. The bouquet is compact and tight, requiring more time to unfold. The structured mouthfeel reveals a spicy hint of white pepper. Castelletto remains an angular and powerful wine to hold in your cellar for now. Drink 2026-2050 (Apr 2024)" 96 points, Monica Larner, Wine Advocate
"A youthful ruby hue, the 2020 Barolo Castelletto really takes things to the next level with aromas of framboise, violets, spice, pine, and rosemary. Medium-bodied, it has a weightless feel but good intensity and ripeness. With a linear drive, ripe tannins, and a long finish, this is a fantastic wine to enjoy over the coming 12-15 years. It comes quite close to the highest level in the range for this vintage. Drink 2024-2039 (May 2024)" 96 points Audrey Frick, JebDunnuck.com
"The 2020 Barolo Castelletto is a beguiling wine. Lavender, sage, coffee, gravel, melted road tar and pine give the Castelletto tons of aromatic presence. There's plenty of depth, too. Black cherry, plum, licorice and new leather build with time in the glass. All the elements are so well balanced. I would give the tannins a few years to soften. Drink 2028-2045 (Jan 2024)" 94 points, Antonio Galloni, Vinous
More About The Wine: The cru Castelletto is one of the most renowned crus of the commune of Monforte. A vineyard in Castelletto is our family’s most recent acquisition, and starting with the 2018 vintage it will be the source of a new single vineyard Barolo for us. Our parcel, with an area of 1.07 hectares, mild exposure to East-South-East, and an altitude from 270 to 300 meters, was planted on an extension of the “Lequio formation” typical of the municipality of Serralunga (a singular subsoil with alternating layers of clayey marl and sandy soils). For our Barolo Castelletto we will focus on vines on the upper slope of the cru which were planted in 1973.
About: In the commune of Verduno, nestled within the hallowed Barolo region, lies a winery steeped in history and tradition. Founded in 1850 by Giovan Battista Burlotto, Comm. G.B. Burlotto Winery not only stands as a testament to a rich winemaking legacy but also embodies the evolution of the Barolo wine itself. Burlotto's establishment, housed in an 18th-century edifice, signals a pivotal shift from diverse agricultural practices to a passionate focus on viticulture. This transition, occurring in a period when wine cultivation was a pursuit of a visionary few, marked the beginning of a remarkable journey for Burlotto and his family winery.
The winery's façade, adorned with 32 medals, narrates the tale of pioneering production and commercial success. GiBi Burlotto, later known as Commendatore, dedicated his efforts to producing the quintessential wines of Langa. His vineyards, including the esteemed Monvigliero in Verduno and Cannubi in Barolo, were instrumental in crafting wines of exceptional pedigree. The Burlotto wines garnered acclaim as the official supplier for the Royal House of Savoy, achieving recognition at global fairs and exhibitions. This period marked a significant era for the winery, combining hard work, savoir-faire, and respect for the craft to produce wines celebrated universally.
Giovan Battista Burlotto's influence extends beyond his winery, contributing significantly to the identity of Barolo wine. His belief in the region's potential led to creation of wines characterized by elegance, aromatic complexity, and longevity. This dedication laid a foundation of consistency and love for the Langa land, a legacy that continues to bear fruit.
Following Giovan Battista's passing, the winery saw leadership through his son Francesco and his grandson Ignazio. During challenging times, including war periods, Ignazio played a crucial role in preserving the unique varietal Pelaverga wine. His determination ensured the survival and recognition of Verduno Pelaverga as a unique wine variety.
Today, the winery is under the stewardship of Marina Burlotto, alongside her husband, Giuseppe Alessandria, and their children, Fabio and Cristina. Representing the fourth and fifth generations, they continue to honor the family tradition by replicating past practices and embracing a legacy of inspired and courageous choices. This approach is reflected in their winemaking philosophy, combining respect for tradition with a contemporary perspective.
Spanning over 16 hectares across 14 crus in four municipalities, the Burlotto vineyards are a mosaic of diverse terroirs. The Barolo vineyards, especially Monvigliero, are renowned for their finesse and the subtle nuances they impart to the wine. Other vineyards contribute to producing varieties like Pelaverga piccolo, Barbera, Dolcetto, Nebbiolo, Freisa, and Sauvignon Blanc. Each vineyard, with its unique characteristics, plays a pivotal role in crafting wines that express the true essence of their origin.
Comm. G.B. Burlotto Winery is a living history of Barolo, a chronicle of a family's dedication to the land and the art of winemaking. From Giovan Battista Burlotto's pioneering spirit to the current generation's blend of tradition and innovation, the winery continues to produce wines that truly reflect their terroir, history, and the passion of those who make them. The legacy of Comm. G.B. Burlotto is not just in the bottles of wine produced but in the enduring spirit of excellence and respect for the land that continues to guide the winery's journey.
