2017 Bruno Giacosa Barolo Falletto

Carlo Giacosa, Bruno's grandfather, started his winery in 1871 in Neive, a hamlet within the DOCG Barbaresco. He was a commercialist, so he made wine from grapes he bought from different farmers. His son Mario followed in his footsteps. Bruno Giacosa was born in 1929 and has been working in the family business since 1944 (ie when he was 15).

Bruno Giacosa started his work in a particularly difficult period for viticulture in Piemonte and for Barbaresco in particular. This difficult period started in 1912 when Dominio Cavazza died. Cavazza was the founder and director of the Oenological School in Alba and he firmly believed in the potential of Barbaresco. He united the winegrowers of the region in the Cantine Sociali di Barbaresco. In 1894 they produced the first Barbaresco.

The period immediately after the First World War was one of great poverty. Subsequently, the fascist regime forced the Cantine Sociali to stop, because the government wanted to limit imports by making maximum use of agricultural land for growing grain or keeping livestock. This meant that almost no wine was made in Barbaresco. This is in contrast to Barolo, which already had a great reputation and was protested by the House of Savoy and Italian diplomats.

It was not until the late 1950s and early 1960s that Barbaresco was resurrected, especially by Angelo Gaja and Bruno Giacosa. The quality quickly rose to great heights, so that Barbaresco was one of the wine regions that first received the DOC status in 1966, next to, for example, Barolo, Chianti and Brunello. In 1980 the increase to DOCG followed.

Bruno Giacosa owes his fame mainly to his trial ability, which enables him to identify the best terroirs throughout Langhe. He then bonded with the owners of those terroirs, who have admired him for generations. Bruno Giacosa is often referred to as “Barolista”, a title bestowed on the greatest winemakers in Piedmont. Still, his favorite vineyard is in Barbaresco: “Asili is the vineyard closest to my heart. I can blindly pick Asili from a lineup of 50 Barbaresco's, because of the delicate aromas and great elegance, ”he said. "No other vineyard in Langhe has such a beautiful bouquet or such finesse and balance."

Barolo is also called the wine of kings and the king of wines, and for good reason! The key is to separate the wheat from the chaff, as there is still too much wine that doesn't live up to Barolo's standards. Many of these wines can be tough and lean because the Nebbiolo grape, from which Barolo wine is made, is one of the most challenging grapes.

Barolo wine

The Nebbiolo grape, which constitutes these red wines entirely, contains abundant tannins, which is why these wines require many years of aging before they can be enjoyed. Even after long aging, the tannins still provide a robust structure!

Combined with the multitude of flavors present in Barolo, such as violets, tar, licorice, chocolate, white truffle, cinnamon, dried fruit, mint, fresh and dried herbs, plums, wild berries, and tobacco, the tannin can lead to a surprising taste explosion.

Barolo holds the prestigious DOCG qualification (Denominazione di Origine Controllata e Garantita), the highest in Italy. This affirms the exceptional quality and authenticity of this magnificent wine from the Piemonte region.

Red Barolo Wine from Piemonte

Barolo wines, originating from the renowned Piemonte region in Northern Italy, embody the essence of elegance and refinement. Crafted from the Nebbiolo grape, Barolos are distinguished by their deep ruby-red hue and complex flavor profile.

When seeking an exceptional Barolo wine, it's crucial to opt for reputable wines from trustworthy producers. Consider the vintage year when selecting your Barolo, as those with several years of aging often exhibit superior development. Additionally, special offers present an excellent opportunity to acquaint yourself with the sublime world of Barolo.

Indulge in the refined flavors, rich aromas, and robust structure of this unique wine, and discover why Barolo rightfully holds the title of the king of wines from the enchanting Piemonte.

Buying Barolo Wine

At Grandcruwijnen, we curate a meticulously selected collection of these prestigious wines. Our Barolos are crafted by renowned wineries that blend their expertise and tradition with modern innovations.

Whether you're a seasoned wine enthusiast or in search of a special bottle for a significant occasion, our Barolo collection caters to every palate. From refined, young Barolos to the complexity of well-aged vintages - you'll find the perfect match for your taste.

Uncover the rich flavors and aromas of Barolo wines and let yourself be captivated by these iconic Italian classics. Browse our selection and find the Barolo that resonates with you. Order today and soon revel in an unforgettable wine experience.

Piemonte, meaning "at the foot of the mountain," is a vast region in northern Italy with Turin as its capital, nestled between various mountain ranges. Bordered by the Alps to the north and west and the Ligurian Apennines to the south, Piemonte is shielded from the maritime climate, favoring a continental climate.

More information about Piemonte

The viticultural history of Piemonte dates back to antiquity, with Greeks introducing winemaking through Ligurian ports. Over the centuries, Piemonte has evolved into one of Italy's premier wine regions, boasting an impressive seven DOCG (Denominazione di Origine Controllata e Garantita) classifications and 37 DOCs (Denominazione di Origine Controllata), collectively responsible for 70% of the region's total wine production.

Encompassing 58,000 hectares, Piemonte cultivates a variety of grape varieties, primarily indigenous. The renowned Nebbiolo grape takes center stage, contributing to the iconic Barolo, Barbaresco, Gattinara, and Ghemme, all awarded DOCG status. Additionally, Barbera, gaining popularity, and Dolcetto, praised for its soft and round character, form the foundation for numerous red wines.

Internationally, Piemonte is recognized for Asti Spumante, an exquisite aromatic sparkling wine crafted from the Muscat grape near the city of Asti. This delightful bubbly is a traditional accompaniment to panettone and other sweets.

The key wine zones lie south of the Po River, notably in the provinces of Cuneo (Langa and Roero) and Asti and Alessandria, with Alba as the commercial hub. Barolo, produced around the village of the same name, is dubbed the "king of wines, wine of kings," reflecting its association with ancient royal houses. Barolo, known for its robust character, may remain tannic even after extended aging but often transforms into a sensation of flavor and aroma.

Similarly, Barbaresco, from the nearby village, also produces robust red wines from Nebbiolo. Advances in winemaking techniques and a new generation of vintners have made Barolo and Barbaresco more accessible and balanced while preserving the Nebbiolo grape's original character.

Gattinara and Ghemme, from the northern provinces, share the need for aging and pair excellently with various meat and game dishes.

Around Alba, the DOC Dolcetto d'Alba produces soft wines from the Dolcetto grape, gaining popularity in Italy and beyond. Barbera wines from Alba and Asti, under DOC Barbera d'Alba and Barbera d'Asti, respectively, are highly regarded, with Barbera emerging as a worthy rival to Nebbiolo after some years of aging.

The Bracchetto d'Acqui, a red sparkling wine, enjoys DOCG status and is produced east of Asti, consumed predominantly in the region as a dessert wine.

The Gavi or Cortese di Gavi, the final DOCG, is a delicate dry white wine made from the Cortese grape in the province of Alessandria, ideal for pairing with various shellfish and seafood.

Order Piemonte wines online at Grandcruwijnen, offering one of the largest wine collections in the Netherlands and Belgium. Whether seeking exceptional or budget-friendly wines, Grandcruwijnen ensures quality products, swift delivery, and reliable service.