Brovia 2018 Barolo, Garblet Sue, DOCG

Brovia 2018 Barolo, Garblet Sue, DOCG

Item Number: 17920

UPC: 0-811644010641

Country: Italy
Region: Piedmont
Sub Region: Langhe
Appellation/AVA: Barolo DOCG
Estate Grown Wine: Yes
Vineyard Designation: Garblet Sue Vineyard
Vintage: 2018
Grape(s): 100% Nebbiolo
Type: Wine - Red
Bottle Size: 750 ml
Pack: 12
Closure: Cork
Alc by Vol(%): 14.5
Viticulture: Practicing Organic
Soil Type: Sand and clay-limestone marl
Elevation: 250 meters

Terroir Notes: Garblèt Sue is a subsection of the cru of Fiasco in Castiglione Falletto. At a height of 250 meters, this vineyard is the lowest of the Brovias’ three crus in Castiglione Faletto. The vines for this wine are also the youngest, having been planted in 1970 and 1979. Soils here are of sand and clay-limestone marl, but they are richer and less well-drained than those higher on the hill in Fiasco proper. Brovia owns 0.7 hectares of western-exposed Nebbiolo here. If Garblèt Sue typically shows a hair’s breadth less complexity than its two Castiglione Falletto brethren, it compensates with a generous, exuberant personality and a tendency to drink better earlier.

Winemaking Notes: One cannot help but be struck by the stark simplicity of the cellar operations. Grapes are destemmed and fermentation starts with natural yeast in old, large concrete tanks. Fermentation can run as long as a month, after which the cru Barolos move to 30-hectoliter Slavonian oak casks for 24 months. This is followed by 18 months in steel on its lees and another long aging period in bottle. Bottling is done without fining or filtering. Furthermore, the Brovias employ no chemicals whatsoever in their vineyards, thereby putting them in a small minority in this exalted region.

Reviews

  • The Wine Advocate
    Rating: 95 (8/11/2022)
    The Brovia 2018 Barolo Garblèt Sue' reveals a fine texture with seamless aromas of purple and red forest fruits that appear delicately and softly. Those lifted primary notes are followed by a filigree of spice, tar, truffle and fragrant earth. The wine closes with a pretty floral note that is a mix of rose and violet. This is one of the most elegant wines of the vintage.
  • Wine Enthusiast
    Rating: 97 (9/1/2022)
    Aromas of camphor, rose and violet mingle with woodland berry and forest floor on this fragrant, gorgeous wine. Full-bodied and all about elegance, the savory palate features strawberry compote, juicy red cherry and licorice alongside taut, refined tannins. Bright acidity keeps it vibrant and well balanced. Drink 2023-2030.