This bottle was also part of the really fun ensemble of Barolos, generously shared and curated by our friend Tim.
Again, served blind after a lengthy slow-ox and we knew we were drinking Barolo but that’s it. No obvious signs of age. On the nose, bright red fruits, herbs, dead flowers and tar...but was all knees and elbows, even with all of the air it was given. Abundant structure. This had to be a classic case of yet to be realized potential.
The shroud was pulled and...I’ll be damned, a 2008 Brovia “Villero”. I’m sort of surprised how much of an infant this wine seemed to be. I have little doubt these will age gracefully for decades to come.
This bottle was also part of the really fun ensemble of Barolos, generously shared and curated by our friend Tim.
Again, served blind after a lengthy slow-ox and we knew we were drinking Barolo but that’s it. No obvious signs of age. On the nose, bright red fruits, herbs, dead flowers and tar...but was all knees and elbows, even with all of the air it was given. Abundant structure. This had to be a classic case of yet to be realized potential.
The shroud was pulled and...I’ll be damned, a 2008 Brovia “Villero”. I’m sort of surprised how much of an infant this wine seemed to be. I have little doubt these will age gracefully for decades to come.
Nov 21st, 2020
Fascinating how different this is from the Rocche 13' (from the same producer). Goes to show that Piedmont is indeed a great distraction from Burgundy, which has been reflected in the increasing prices. Thankfully, Brovia's wines are still "under the radar." Affordable, in the scale of things.
Neighbouring vineyards. The Rocche - blue-fruit focused, leaner, less tannic on the palate (but you could smell it), elegant if not firmer. The Villero - red-fruited, more classic on the nose, brawny palate, with big spice tones and a blood-like minerality. No preference of one over the other at the moment. Rocche, the queen of Brovia's line-up, and Villero, the king! Their purity, nuance, and turbo-charged aromatics are seriously impressive, though it doesn't make it any easier to drink them at this early stage. Definitely cellar these crus. Minimum 20 years!
Fascinating how different this is from the Rocche 13' (from the same producer). Goes to show that Piedmont is indeed a great distraction from Burgundy, which has been reflected in the increasing prices. Thankfully, Brovia's wines are still "under the radar." Affordable, in the scale of things.
Neighbouring vineyards. The Rocche - blue-fruit focused, leaner, less tannic on the palate (but you could smell it), elegant if not firmer. The Villero - red-fruited, more classic on the nose, brawny palate, with big spice tones and a blood-like minerality. No preference of one over the other at the moment. Rocche, the queen of Brovia's line-up, and Villero, the king! Their purity, nuance, and turbo-charged aromatics are seriously impressive, though it doesn't make it any easier to drink them at this early stage. Definitely cellar these crus. Minimum 20 years!
1 person found it helpfulDec 3rd, 2019
One of my favorite producers, favorite vineyards and a great vintage. Still a long way from its peak but the '06s are in for the long haul just like the '96s #brovia
One of my favorite producers, favorite vineyards and a great vintage. Still a long way from its peak but the '06s are in for the long haul just like the '96s #brovia
Oct 19th, 2016
Dust, flowers, forest floor, leather, cherry, cranberry, dried roses. Hot finish (14.5 alc.)
Dust, flowers, forest floor, leather, cherry, cranberry, dried roses. Hot finish (14.5 alc.)
Jul 18th, 2016
Mason Balistreri 
Sommelier, International Wine Guild; Balistreri Vineyard; Sales, Joy Wine and Spirits
9.4
Where the Rocche cru is elegant and full of finesse, this is powerful and dense. More ripeness fruit, more grip, more power. Iron, blood like minerality.
Where the Rocche cru is elegant and full of finesse, this is powerful and dense. More ripeness fruit, more grip, more power. Iron, blood like minerality.
Mar 25th, 2016
Barolo, Cuneo, Piedmont, Italy
