Giovanni Rosso Barolo is a masterful expression of Piedmont's famed Nebbiolo grape, embodying the elegance and complexity of the Serralunga d'Alba terroir. Crafted with meticulous care by the Rosso family, this wine offers a symphony of aromas, including ripe red fruits, floral notes of violets and roses, and hints of dark cocoa and spice. On the palate, it is rich and well-structured, featuring smooth tannins balanced by vibrant acidity that culminates in an enduring, flavorful finish. Aged for 18-36 months in French oak barrels, Giovanni Rosso Barolo exemplifies a perfect harmony of tradition and precision, making it an ideal pairing for savory dishes like truffle risotto or braised meats. Renowned as a “Serralunga producer,” Giovanni Rosso encapsulates the essence of one of Italy's most prestigious wine regions in every bottle, making it a must-have for wine enthusiasts seeking depth and authenticity.
Process & Profile
Giovanni Rosso Barolo is produced by a small, family-owned winery located in the heart of Serralunga d'Alba, a commune revered for its exceptional Barolo vineyards. The Rosso family has nurtured these lands since the 1890s, with their current winemaker, Davide Rosso, upholding a philosophy of creating wines that serve as a "perfect copy of their terroir" .
The Nebbiolo grapes are harvested manually in October, ensuring only the finest quality fruit is selected. The fermentation process takes place in cement tanks over 25 days, allowing the wine to extract bold tannins, rich colors, and complex aromas. Aging, a critical phase, occurs in large French oak barrels for 18 to 36 months, achieving the wine's refined complexity and balance .
Tasting Notes
Giovanni Rosso Barolo unfolds an elegant and multidimensional sensory experience:
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Nose: A bouquet of ripe red fruits such as cherries and raspberries interwoven with hints of rose petals, black pepper, and vanilla .
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Palate: Vibrant acidity typifies its profile, balanced with robust tannins. Notes of dark cocoa, plum, and star anise add depth, while subtle flavors of baking spice and mint provide a fresh finish .
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Finish: Long and layered with hints of truffle, leather, and a touch of minerality, offering exceptional aging potential .
What Makes It Special
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Legacy and Terroir: The vineyards, comprising legendary crus such as Vignarionda, Broglio, and Cerretta, are steeped in history, some documented as early as 1694. The calcareous soils and high-altitude vineyards contribute to the wine's distinctive minerality and structure .
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Organic Practices: Giovanni Rosso emphasizes sustainable viticulture, using organic farming methods to preserve the land's biodiversity and health. All vineyard work, from pruning to tilling, is done by hand .
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Precision in Winemaking: Combining tradition with modern techniques, the winery ensures the terroir's unique qualities are faithfully expressed in every bottle .
How to Enjoy
Pairing Suggestions: Giovanni Rosso Barolo pairs exquisitely with hearty, rich dishes. Try it with:
- Braised beef or slow-cooked lamb shanks, which complement the wine's robust tannins.
- Truffle risotto, whose earthy umami flavors enhance the wine's complexity.
- A selection of aged cheeses or wild mushroom dishes .
Serving Tips:
- Decant the wine for at least 1-2 hours before serving to allow its aromas to flourish and soften the tannins.
- Serve at a temperature of 16-18°C (60-65°F).
Aging Potential: While enchanting in its youth, Giovanni Rosso Barolo evolves beautifully with aging. Properly stored, it can develop for 15-20 years, revealing even greater depth and nuance over time .
Giovanni Rosso Barolo captures the essence of Piedmont's winemaking heritage, offering a taste that is both timeless and unparalleled. With its bold profile and sophisticated elegance, it is truly deserving of its title as the "King of Wines and Wine of Kings."
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Giovanni Rosso Barolo made from?
Giovanni Rosso Barolo is produced using 100% Nebbiolo grapes, a prestigious red grape variety historically linked to the Piedmont region. The Nebbiolo grape thrives in the unique terroir of Serralunga d'Alba, where the soil and climate conditions contribute to its exceptional flavor profile.
What are the key tasting notes of Giovanni Rosso Barolo?
This Barolo exhibits a complex blend of flavors and aromas, including ripe red fruits like cherries and raspberries, with hints of vanilla, black pepper, and floral notes such as violets and roses. On the palate, it is rich, well-structured, and balanced with smooth tannins and a long, flavorful finish.
How long can Giovanni Rosso Barolo be aged?
Barolo wines, including Giovanni Rosso Barolo, are renowned for their great aging potential. Depending on the vintage, they can be aged for 10–40+ years, developing more complex flavors over time. Many drinkers prefer to enjoy them after at least 10-15 years of aging for optimal balance and complexity.
What food pairs well with Giovanni Rosso Barolo?
This wine pairs excellently with rich and subtle dishes. Recommended pairings include truffle risotto, handmade pasta, aged cheeses, and thinly sliced charcuterie. Its robust tannins and delicate floral aromas make it ideal for meals with earthy, umami-driven flavors.
Is Giovanni Rosso Barolo organic?
Yes, Giovanni Rosso practices organic farming methods as much as possible. They avoid artificial chemical treatments like fertilizers, insecticides, and weed-killers. All processes, including harvesting and pruning, are done manually to ensure high-quality grapes.
What makes Giovanni Rosso Barolo unique?
The uniqueness of Giovanni Rosso Barolo lies in its terroir-driven philosophy: "Wine must be a perfect copy of its terroir." The wine captures the essence of Serralunga d'Alba's unique soil and climate, with vineyards historically regarded as some of the best in Barolo. Additionally, traditional winemaking techniques like long maceration and aging in large oak barrels further emphasize its authenticity.
How should Giovanni Rosso Barolo be served?
For the best experience, serve Giovanni Rosso Barolo at a temperature of 60–68°F (15–20°C). Decant the wine for at least an hour before serving to allow its aromas and flavors to fully open up.
Where does Giovanni Rosso Barolo come from?
This Barolo is produced in the D.O.C.G. Barolo region, within the commune of Serralunga d'Alba, located in Piedmont, Italy. Giovanni Rosso is a family-owned winery with a winemaking history dating back to the 1890s.
What sets the Barolos from Serralunga d'Alba apart?
Barolos from Serralunga d'Alba, such as Giovanni Rosso Barolo, are known for their structured, powerful, and elegant profiles. The region's compact, sandstone-based soils contribute to wines that require significant aging to reveal their full character, making them ideal for collectors and connoisseurs.
What is the vinification process for Giovanni Rosso Barolo?
The grapes are meticulously handpicked, destemmed, and macerated for about 25–30 days in concrete vats. Fermentation occurs in temperature-controlled conditions, followed by aging in large French oak casks (botti) for 18–36 months, depending on the vintage. This traditional approach ensures a wine that truly reflects its terroir.