Name: Marchesi di Barolo Barolo Sarmassa DOCG 2018 750ml
Brand: Marchesi Di Barolo
SKU: 940327
Price: 104.83 USD
Availability: InStock
Rating: 92.1 (7 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 95pts

James Suckling

Currants, brambleberries, lavender, dried mushrooms, bitter chocolate, tea leaves and cedar on the nose. Medium-bodied with precise, firm and tight tannins. Delicious dark-tea, cocoa and stone character. A joy to taste already, but better from 2024.

DC 93pts

Decanter

Southeast-facing Sarmassa in Barolo is situated on stony clay and limestone soils, which naturally limits the vigour of the vines. Concentrated and sticky black fruits with a red fruit streak combine with balsamic overtones, touches of black tea and chocolate, and big, grippy tannins for a powerfully structured rendition of Nebbiolo.

WS 92pts

Wine Spectator

This red is not only expressive, exuding cherry, raspberry, mineral, earth and mint flavors, but it's also silky and succulent. Reveals refined tannins and bright acidity, which lend support as this glides to a long aftertaste. Best from 2025 through 2040. 3,300 cases made, 500 cases imported.

VM 92pts

Vinous Media

The 2018 Barolo Sarmassa offers tons of immediacy in its succulent red fruit, blood orange, mint and spice notes. Plush and silky, with terrific depth, the 2018 will be easy to drink and enjoy right out of the gate.

WE 92pts

Wine Enthusiast

Aromas of dark-skinned fruit, cedar and culinary spice lead the way. The taut palate offers black plum, vanilla and licorice alongside polished tannins and fresh acidity. Drink 2023–2030.

WA 91pts

Wine Advocate

Certainly more austere and structured compared to some of the other new releases from Marchesi di Barolo, the 2018 Barolo Sarmassa is nicely tweaked by basic aging and barrel time. You get a dark quality of fruit with plum and blackberry, and there is integrated spice and smoke as well from the barrel aging. The wine goes into French oak for nine months and follows in Slavonian casks for an additional 12 months. The oak tannins are on the dry side as a result. Some 15,000 bottles were made (and will be released next year).

TWI 90pts

The Wine Independent

The 2018 Marchesi di Barolo Barolo Sarmassa is similar on the nose to the 2017 Sarmassa though the 2018 is a little brighter with slightly more fresh earth, strawberry and cream aromas. On the palate it has attractive mouthwatering, juicy, acidity adding some freshness and brightness. It has nicely rounded, gentle tannins and enjoyable, juicy red fruits. An approachable and enjoyable style. The Sarmassa vineyard is south-east facing, north of the Cannubi vineyard with a silt-clay soil. Drink now or within one year. It will last 15 plus years.

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.