Wines Barolo Bruno Giacosa - Le Rocche del Falletto di Serralunga d'Alba - 1997

Bruno Giacosa’s 1997 Barolo “Le Rocche del Falletto di Serralunga d’Alba” is a peerless example of the esteemed Barolo style, crafted from 100% Nebbiolo grapes. Sourced from the prestigious Rocche del Falletto vineyard in Serralunga d’Alba, this cuvée thrives on steep south-east facing slopes composed of clay and limestone, contributing remarkable complexity and structure. The 1997 vintage was marked by an intense summer, ensuring ripe, concentrated fruit. Giacosa, famed for his meticulous work, ages his Barolo in large neutral Slavonian oak casks, which preserve the pure expression of terroir while allowing the wine time to mature gracefully, especially in the generous magnum format.

The Barolo zone, anchored in the Langhe hills of Piedmont, is revered as the source of Italy’s “King of Wines”. Its rolling vineyards benefit from a temperate continental climate with warm days, cool nights, and frequent autumnal mists, which lengthen the ripening season and endow Nebbiolo with sublime aromatics. The region’s famous calcareous marl soils impart minerality, structure, and the ability to age – key attributes in classic Barolo. This winemaking tradition traces back centuries, evolving from a sweet red into today’s noble, ageworthy dry wine.

This mature Barolo pairs exquisitely with Piedmontese specialities such as brasato al Barolo (beef braised in Barolo), tajarin al tartufo (egg pasta with local truffle), or an aged Castelmagno cheese. The wine also complements robust game, roasted lamb, or mushrooms dishes, its earthy depth and fine tannins matching savoury richness.

For serving, decant the magnum at least two hours prior to enjoyment, as the 1997 vintage still presents remarkable vigour and aromatic complexity. Serve at 17-18°C to fully appreciate its bouquet of dried rose, cherry, leather, spice, and truffle, along with the silken yet persistent palate that marks Giacosa’s signature style.