Name: Marchesi di Barolo Barolo Sarmassa DOCG 2015 750ml
Brand: Marchesi Di Barolo
SKU: 907221
Price: 96.17 USD
Availability: InStock
Rating: 92.8 (6 reviews)

Winery

Marchesi Di Barolo

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Varietal

Nebbiolo

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.

JS 94pts

James Suckling

A very plush and attractive Barolo that has an abundance of orange-zest aromas, as well as ripe red cherries and red plums that appear on both the nose and palate. The concentration of fruit flavor is impressive, the tannins sweep long and rich and the depth is undeniable. Drink or hold.

WE 94pts

Wine Enthusiast

Red berry and rose aromas mix with scents of forest floor and balsamic whiffs of eucalyptus on this fragrant red. Full bodied and linear, the vibrant palate shows good tension, offering ripe Marasca cherry, pomegranate, licorice and tobacco framed in firm, fine-grained tannins. It will develop even more complexity with aging. Drink 2023–2035. (Cellar Selection)

WA 93pts

Wine Advocate

From a beautiful growing site in the Barolo township that consistently delivers structure and depth, the 2015 Barolo Sarmassa offers a slightly austere and firm personality that puts the wine in a good position in terms of its future bottle aging potential. This Barolo reveals thick, etched lines with dark fruit, plum, spice and tangy licorice. The wine appears direct, fruit-forward and suitably propped up by its thick inner fiber. Some 20,000 bottles were made.

DC 93pts

Decanter

This historic and very large company has been run, and run well, for decades by the Abbona family. Sarmassa, along with Cannubi, is its most important single-vineyard wine, located on clay and limestone soils that give very good ageing potential. The wine is aged in both barriques and large casks. This is sumptuous and generous on the nose, lightly marked by oak, with aromas of cherries, raspberries, and liquorice. Fresh and lively, the palate nonetheless has admirable concentration and grip as well as vibrant red fruits. Long, with an assertive finish. Drinking Window 2021 - 2040.

WS 92pts

Wine Spectator

ntense aromas of rose and cherry are augmented by leather, iron and tar notes in this sleek red. Burly tannins show up on the finish, yet this plays out with good equilibrium and freshness. Best from 2023 through 2040. 250 cases imported.

VM 91pts

Vinous Media

The 2015 Barolo Sarmassa is a very pretty wine that also shows what Marchesi can do when they apply themselves. Radiant, aromatically deep, and alluring, the 2015 exudes class and personality. Sweet red cherry fruit, blood orange, mint, spice, star anise and sweet spice are beautifully layered in a mid-weight, sensual Barolo that will drink well right out of the gate. The 2015 is impeccable. But the big question is why the other wines in this range aren't at the same level.

Winery Notes

Deep garnet red. Intense aroma with clean scents of wild rose, vanilla, licorice and spices. Feather the resin of pine and tobacco. Taste is full and elegant, full bodied, with tannins in evidence, with recurring olfactory sensations. Enjoyable are the spicy and woody notes that blend perfectly. With its big structure, this wine is particularly adapted to main courses of red meats, braised dishes and game in general. An ideal accompaniment for cheeses.

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