From: Piedmont, Italy
Varietal: Nebbiolo
Taste & Critical Acclaim: "Year after year a label of the greatest consistency. Whole-bunch grapes given a long maceration without punchdowns or pumpovers, the wine aged for 33 months in large oak: an indicator of the vintage's quality. Although very light in colour, it demonstrates its typical wild strawberry, peony, violet and cinnamon aromas, and some minerality, vermouth-like in its aromatic intensity. On the palate there is a great concentration of fruit, with velvety tannins and a finish of filigree elegance. Drinking Window: 2024-2040. (Mar 2024)" 98 points Aldo Fiordelli Decanter
"Showing fine and delicate perfumes, the Comm. G.B. Burlotto 2020 Barolo Monvigliero (made with whole-cluster fermentation) opens to a hint of something exotic like Moroccan spice with candied orange, Arabian jasmine or tamarind chutney. This vintage is a little more immediate in character, with a long mid-palate that culminates with a chalky tannic finish. The Monvigliero is very elegant, even fragile, with an upward fruit crescendo. Production in this vintage is 9,000 bottles. Drink: 2026-2050. (Apr 2024)" 97 points Monica Larner Wine Advocate
"A bouquet dominated by enchanting violets, bursts from the glass, accompanied by vibrant pomegranates and currants. On the palate, the wine is well-structured, with tannins that are perfectly integrated, allowing the beauty of the fruit to shine through. This cru is known for its finesse, and this wine is a prime example of its grace and power. A stunning beauty that will leave you captivated. Drink now - 2045." - 97 Wine Enthusiast
"A wild beast, the medium ruby 2020 Barolo Monvigliero shows off a wild perfume in this vintage, with a rustic edge and lifted notes of menthol, orange zest, cinnamon, pomegranate, and saddle leather. It drives with vibrant energy on the palate, where all its components come together, with a chalky texture and a long finish. This spicy and slightly rustic wine from Burlotto is going to benefit from another year or two in bottle. Drink: 2026-2040. (May 2024)" 95 points Audrey Frick JebDunnuck.com
More About The Wine: Monvigliero is unanimously considered one of the finest vineyards of the Langa albese. We have three parcels within Monvigliero, totaling 2.02 hectares, with uniform exposure to the South and a maximum altitude of 300 meters.
Several replantings have taken place here, including a section from 1958 alongside areas planted between 1987 and 2015 on various rootstocks including the vigorous Kober 5BB and the old Riparia on less calcareous soils, as well as the 420A . Geologically, Monvigliero is a typical example of a cru from the western Barolo area. In fact, it lies entirely on the so-called “laminated marls of Sant’Agata Fossili”, a complex of fine sediments – a mixture of clays, silt and sand – with a strong limestone component and a gray-blue color, formed between 7 and 11 million years ago.
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.