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SKU 918011
$460.56/case
$76.76/bottle
Tariffs included
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Varietal aromas of rose, camphor, new leather and ripe dark-skinned berry lead the nose. Firmly structured and still youthfully austere but already delicious, the palate delivers ripe Marasca cherry, cranberry, licorice and tobacco alongside a tannic backbone. Vibrant acidity keeps it balanced and loaded with energy. Drink 2028–2038. (Cellar Selection)
The Nebbiolo grape varietal is widely understood to be the fruit responsible for Italy's finest aged wines. However, its popularity and reliability as a grape which gives out outstanding flavors and aromas has led it to be planted in many countries around the world, with much success. These purple grapes are distinguishable by the fact that they take on a milky dust as they begin to reach maturity, leading many to claim that this is the reason for their unusual name, which means 'fog' in Italian. Nebbiolo grapes produce wines which have a wide range of beautiful and fascinating flavors, the most common of which are rich, dark and complex, such as violet, truffle, tobacco and prunes. They are generally aged for many years to balance out their characteristics, as their natural tannin levels tend to be very high.
Country
Italy
There are few countries in the world with a viticultural history as long or as illustrious as that claimed by Italy. Grapes were first being grown and cultivated on Italian soil several thousand years ago by the Greeks and the Pheonicians, who named Italy 'Oenotria' – the land of wines – so impressed were they with the climate and the suitability of the soil for wine production. Of course, it was the rise of the Roman Empire which had the most lasting influence on wine production in Italy, and their influence can still be felt today, as much of the riches of the empire came about through their enthusiasm for producing wines and exporting it to neighbouring countries. Since those times, a vast amount of Italian land has remained primarily for vine cultivation, and thousands of wineries can be found throughout the entire length and breadth of this beautiful country, drenched in Mediterranean sunshine and benefiting from the excellent fertile soils found there. Italy remains very much a 'land of wines', and one could not imagine this country, its landscape and culture, without it.
Region
Piedmont
Situated in the north-western part of Italy, the region of Piedmont is known worldwide and is highly respected for the quality of the wines produced there. Many of the most successful sub-regions in Piedmont produce many of the world's finest red wines, such as those made from the excellent Nebbiolo grape varietal in areas such as Barolo and Barbaresco. However, the historic wineries which typify this region use a relatively wide variety of grapes, including Dolcetto and Barbera for their red wines, which are typically aged and have a delightful velvety character. Piedmont isn't all about beautifully complex red wines, though, as it is also famed for high quality, elegant sparkling wines, notably the Asti wines made with the white Moscato grape. The region benefits from a range of terroirs which are often well expressed in the sparkling wines, and a wonderfully consistent climate ideal for vineyard cultivation.
Appellation
Barolo
Barolo’s star grape is Nebbiolo, a finicky yet expressive variety that reaches its zenith this unique terroir. The region’s distinct microclimates and soils contribute to Nebbiolo’s complexity, resulting in wines with robust tannins, high acidity, and exceptional aging potential. Barolo wines, often referred to as “the king of wines,” are characterized by their deep garnet hue and complex bouquet, offering aromas of roses, tar, truffles, and red fruit. The aging process is significant, requiring at least 38 months, with a minimum of 18 months spent in wooden casks. This meticulous craftsmanship results in wines that evolve beautifully over time, displaying a harmonious balance of power and finesse. For wine enthusiasts, exploring Barolo provides a captivating journey into the rich tapestry of Italian winemaking, showcasing the profound marriage of tradition, terroir, and Nebbiolo’s distinctive expression.
WE95pts
Wine Enthusiast
Varietal aromas of rose, camphor, new leather and ripe dark-skinned berry lead the nose. Firmly structured and still youthfully austere but already delicious, the palate delivers ripe Marasca cherry, cranberry, licorice and tobacco alongside a tannic backbone. Vibrant acidity keeps it balanced and loaded with energy. Drink 2028–2038. (Cellar Selection)
DC94pts
Decanter
Lower production volume than usual for Brezza's Sarmassa, located in the flatter and more evolved soil of the MGA, helps to give balance to this 2018 vintage. Aromas of red currants, liquorice, pepper, then dried cherry with a great depth of mint; a multifaceted Barolo with graceful complexity. The attack is austere yet precise, with crisp acidity, clean red currant flavour and a crunchy finish. Drinking Window: 2022 - 2030
VM93pts
Vinous Media
The 2018 Barolo Sarmassa benefits from the addition of the fruit that would have gone into the Riserva. A Barolo of breadth and power, the Sarmassa possesses terrific depth and plenty of substance. Dark plum, gravel, cured meat, smoke, licorice and incense add to a feeling of somber gravitas. I won't be surprised if the 2018 turns out to be even better than this note suggests. Hints of dried herb, menthol, licorice, tobacco and incense linger on a finish graced with notable aromatic complexity.
WA92pts
Wine Advocate
The 2018 Barolo Sarmassa (a certified organic wine) is pristine and polished throughout. The Nebbiolo grape has this terrific capacity of delivering deep inner power in a manner that is not immediately apparent. It creeps up on you, delivering more complexity and nuance along the way. Only the 15% alcohol is out of line (this extra heat is a problem throughout the vintage), but the wine otherwise comes together with good focus. Production is 8,692 bottles.
