Sarmassa Barolo DOCG 2016
Marchesi di Barolo
Terroir: The southeast-facing Sarmassa vineyard is located on a hill with good slope. Despite the fact that the area is of Tortonian origin, there has been a significant amount of soil erosion, probably due to the steep slope of the hill. Since the erosion has been significant, the soil is calcareous and very compact. The soil is composed mainly of clay and limestone and has a very substantial percentage of stones. The high percentage of stones, combined with clay, limit the growth of Nebbiolo grape and allow the vines to react quickly to climactic variations, enabling clusters to achieve perfect ripening.
Vinification: Sarmassa is the last of the Cru’s to ripen and is usually harvested in the second ten days of October. Grapes are collected, exclusively by hand and quickly taken to the cellars for destalking and a soft pressing. The grapes then undergo a controlled fermentation in stainless steel temperature controlled tanks at steel temperature controlled tanks at 82-86°F.
Maceration of the skins lasts 10 days with regular pump-overs. The wine is racked into concrete tanks that are lined with fiberglass inside and insulated with cork where it rests at post-fermentation temperatures of 72°F and undergoes malolactic fermentation. Within two months, malolactic fermentation is complete and the wine is transferred to barrels. The wine is aged for two years, a part in Slavonian oak barrels (30 or 35 hl) and the other part in 225 L French medium-toasted oak barrique. The two parts are then blended in traditional big oak barrels and the wine completes its fining in the bottle before release.
The Barolo Sarmassa reaches maturity eight years after harvest. It continues to mature elegantly for a period of time and the between 8 and 30 years. The wine is, therefore, colorful, tannic and long-lived.
Behind the Wine: Marchesi di Barolo Sarmassa Barolo
Additional Information
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.
Technical Details
- Appellation: Barolo DOCG
- Winemaker: Flavio Fenocchio
- Sustainability: Sustainable Practices
- Soil: Clay, Limestone
- Alcohol: 14.5%
- Ttl Acidity: 6.1g/l
- Residual Sugar: 2.5g/l
- Sizes Available: 6/750ml, 6/1.5L
- Varietals: 100% Nebbiolo
Recent Press
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Score: 89 Points
Vinous Author: Antonio Galloni
Date: Friday, November 6, 2020"The Barolo Sarmassa is quite ethereal in 2016. Cinnamon, orange peel, star anise and kirsch are all nicely lifted, but I wish there was a bit more depth and overall persistence." -
Score: 93 Points
Wine Enthusiast Author: Kerin O'Keefe
Date: Friday, August 14, 2020"Aromas of dark-skinned berry, coconut, French oak and blue flower lead the nose. On the tense taut palate, fine-grained tannins accompany mature plum, dried cherry, vanilla and coffee bean while fresh acidity keeps it balanced. Drink 2024–2036." -
Score: 92 Points
The Wine Advocate Author: Monica Larner
Date: Thursday, July 23, 2020"The Marchesi di Barolo 2016 Barolo Sarmassa delivers a solid and powerful presentation with aromas of dark cherry and plum backed by smoked meat, tobacco and savory spice. It ages in both French and Slavonian oak for two years. The Sarmassa cru, from a southeast-facing slope sitting at about 350 meters in altitude, delivers intensity and bold fruit flavors with licorice, smoke and chalky mineral. Despite the intensity of the bouquet, this wine is subdued in terms of mouthfeel. There is a point of tannic tightness on the close, but the mouthfeel is soft overall, treading lightly on the palate. Some 20,000 bottles were produced."
