Held in high esteem, Serralunga Barolos have at the same time earned a reputation as fierce and tannic beasts. Yet today's wines are more approachable than ever, finds Stephen Brook
Top Serralunga Barolos
Brovia, Ca’ mia 2010
18.5/20pts (95/100pts)
Raspberry coulis and mint nose. Succulent cherry fruit, very concentrated with massive but not tough tannins. A mighty wine with good acidity, considerable finesse and excellent length.
Price: £48 Justerini & Brooks, Raeburn
Drink 2015-2030
Alc 14%
Massolino, Vigna Rionda Riserva 2008
18.5/20pts (95/100pts)
Elegant red fruits on the nose. A massive but not extracted wine, compact and powerful, with splendid fruit and immense concentration. Impeccably balanced and very long.
Price: £68-£96.99 Liberty Wines, WoodWinters
Drink 2015-2030
Alc 14%
Bruno Giacosa, Falletto 2008
18/20pts (93/100pts)
Reticent but stylish red fruits nose. Very concentrated, with firm tannins but no evident extraction, showing ample grip and good acidity. Long spicy finish.
Price: £130-£212.46 Armit Wines, Harvey Nichols, Hedonism, Justerini & Brooks, Vini Italiani
Drink 2015-2028,
Alc 14.5%
Palladino, Parafada 2007
18/20pts (93/100pts)
Parafada always delivers elegant wines, and this has a perfumed red fruits and cranberry nose. Concentrated and fleshy, but with sweet fruit and persistent tannins. Good length.
Price: £41.99, The Winery
Drink 2014-2020
Alc 14.5%
Pio Cesare, Ornato 2008
18/20pts (93/100pts)
Spicy, stylish, red fruits nose. Svelte and concentrated, not too tannic, lively and well balanced, with integrated oak and fine length.
Price: £65-£75.25 Chelsea Vintners, Divine Fine Wines, Fine & Rare, Jeroboams
Drink 2014-2022
Alc 14%
Rivetto, Leon Riserva 2006
18/20pts (93/100pts)
Meaty nose with underlying raspberry fruit. Rich and velvety, with firm but integrated tannins and acidity, taut and spicy, elegant and persistent. Harmonious and long.
Price: £70 Ellis of Richmond
Drink 2015-2030
Alc 14.5%
Gaja, Sperss 2008
17.5/20pts (91/100pts)
Discreet raspberry aromas. Fresh and sleek, with restrained tannins and no rough edges. Good acidity gives the palate length and finesse.
Price: £134.46, Justerini & Brooks, WoodWinters
Drink 2014-2025
Alc 14.5%
Giovanni Rosso, La Serra 2010
17.5/20pts (91/100pts)
Dense tarry nose, with raspberry and sour cherry aromas. Full-bodied and concentrated, with firm ripe tannins. Solid but spicy, with good length.
Price: £47.40 Richard Dawes Fine Wines
Drink 2017-2027
Alc 14.5%
Vietti, Lazzarito 2010
17.5/20pts (91/100pts)
Rich, upfront, raspberry and cherry nose. Suave and rounded, this is a big, juicy style with ripe supporting tannins. Long, driven finish.
Price: £128.60 Bibendum
Drink 2016-2026
Alc 14.5%
Ettore Germano 2010
17/20pts (90/100pts)
Spicy, cherry-scented nose. Moderate intensity and body. Firm, ripe tannins and good acidity. Long.
Price: £27.50 Astrum Wine Cellars, Planet of the Grapes, WoodWinters
Drink 2015-2022
Alc 14.5%
Fontanafredda, Serralunga d’Alba 2009
17/20pts (90/100pts)
Bright, lively cherry nose. Supple, spicy and concentrated, showing unusual finesse. Firm tannins. Robust.
Price: £31-£42.99 Carruthers & Kent, Great Western Wine, Selfridges, Sura Wine, Winedirect
Drink 2015-2022
Alc 14%
Luigi Pira, Serralunga 2010
17/20pts (90/100pts)
Spicy, sour cherry and raspberry nose. Rich and full-bodied. Sleek texture, ripe tannins, fine balance. Long.
Price: £24-£31.20 Goedhuis, James Nicholson
Drink 2016-2025
Alc 14.5%
Paolo Manzone 2010
16.5/20pts (88/100pts)
Muted nose but fresh and concentrated on the palate, with lively acidity and surprising accessibility.
Price: £21.99 Adnams
Drink 2014-2022
Alc 14%
