Prunotto Bric Turot Barbaresco 2021

“Lovely exotic elements...” “Beguiling personality...” “Lots of finesse and length...” The critics have spoken, and their praise is lofty! This gorgeous and velvety single-vineyard Barbaresco from the historic Alba producer of Prunotto is a must-add to any Italian wine lover’s collection, especially for the lowest price in the country and shipping included on 4 or more bottles!

Prunotto has always been ahead of its time, and was among the first wineries in Piedmont to bottle wines from individual vineyards. The winery actually began as a cooperative in 1904, but was soon taken over by Alfredo Prunotto in 1923, who began its transformation into the excellent winery it is today. Alfredo’s leadership established Prunotto’s renowned reputation, and he began the early global exports of its wines. After retiring in 1956, Alfredo passed the winery on to Beppe Colla, who continued the legacy of quality and single-vineyard vinification. The globally regarded Antinori family purchased the estate in 1994 and has further built on the long-standing tradition of thoughtful winemaking and stewardship of land that the Prunottos first initiated.

Only 26,000 bottles were produced of this 2021 Bric Turot (meaning “top of a small hill” in local dialect) Barbaresco from a treasured five-hectare site with southeast/southwest sun exposure, mineral-rich Tortonian soil, and an elevation of 190 to 230 meters. The Nebbiolo grapes grown here develop substantial elegance, complexity, and firm but polished tannins that lead to a long, mineral-tinged finish in the wine, along with intense aromatics and a structured palate. Much like our 2021 vintage here in Napa, the 2021 growing season in Piedmont was exceptional, producing wonderfully balanced fruit with ample freshness and maturity. Aging took place in varying sizes of oak barrels for approximately 12 months before bottle aging for another year prior to release.

No shocker here, this is a magnificently harmonious, full-bodied, and plush wine with so much to give. Lay it down in the cellar and don’t be surprised if it lasts another two-plus decades, developing even more nuance along the way. Or, open it up now (no judgment… I’ll be doing the same) and experience the myriad layers of fragrant wild berries, rich violets, rose petals, and spiced aromas of white pepper, cinnamon, and clove. The flavors coat your mouth like velvet, bringing a cacophony of black cherries, plums, new leather, and just-picked herbs, accented by notes of balsamic and freshly turned soil. Dusty tannins provide a defined and elegant frame before the persistent finish. This is just unreal for an under $50 bottle of 95-point, single-cru Barbaresco. Grab that 4-pack to lock in free shipping, lay down at least one bottle to age, and make your near and far future self very, very happy!

PAIRING IDEAS: Anything other than pasta with a decadent, meaty red sauce just feels wrong. This Ragù di Salsiccia combines sausage and veal in an aromatic ragù sauce made with a traditional Piedmont pasta called tajarin, which gets its gorgeous golden color from a high ratio of egg yolks to flour.