About this wine
Vineyard and terroir
Vigna Bricco occupies 0.4 ha halfway up the sheltered Sarmassa valley in the town of Barolo. Its south-facing position is traditionally identified as the place where snow melts most quickly. The vineyard lies at 250 m and has clay-silt soil composed of 43.2% silt, 30.5% clay and 26.3% sand.
The vines were planted in 2000 at 3,700 plants per hectare, with 1 × 2.7 m spacing. They are trained to a vertical canopy and pruned by traditional Guyot; the rootstocks are 420 A and K5BB. Yield is approximately 6,000–7,000 kg/ha.
Grapes
100% Nebbiolo, represented by the Lampia and Michet sub-varieties.
Vinification
Vigna Bricco is vinified and matured separately every year, although it is not necessarily released. Its production method follows that of Barolo DOCG Sarmassa. During élevage, it undergoes repeated blind tastings alongside the other crus; the final decision to use the Vigna Bricco designation is made before bottling.
Ageing
Bottle refinement lasts two years longer than for Barolo DOCG Sarmassa.
Technical data
The published alcohol for the 2019 vintage is 14.5%.
Tasting profile
The 2019 is complex, full-bodied and vibrant, with aromas of leather, camphor, rose, truffle, tobacco, medicinal herbs, thyme, anise, mint, peach, dried leaves and red fruit. Raspberry, strawberry, orange zest, liquorice and clove shape a deep, savoury palate supported by refined tannins and bright acidity. It is rounded and approachable on release yet built to evolve slowly for many years.
Serving and pairing
Hare terrine with plum sauce is among the published pairings.
Vintage notes
The 2019 vintage received 98 points from Kerin O’Keefe, 95 points and Cellar Selection from Wine Enthusiast, 95.5 points from Guida Vitae – AIS, and 95 points from Vinous. Published drinking windows extend as far as 2044.
Label / history
Vigna Bricco shares the Sarmassa MGA designation. Its separate release depends on the quality demonstrated during élevage and is therefore not made every year.
