Barolo 2021: Top value picks

The 2021 Barolo vintage has arrived, and it’s making waves. Tastings reveal a vintage of striking character, ripe fruit, and formidable structure, hinting at impressive longevity. But some wines miss the mark, highlighting the vintage’s nuanced complexity.

Certain communes shine, while others deliver mixed results. And while the 2021 vintage offers charismatic, ageable Barolos, high prices for the most in-demand bottles can be a challenge.

Below, we’ve pinpointed 10 outstanding bottlings that deliver remarkable character without the premium price tag. 

Michaela Morris’ 10 top Barolo 2021 value picks below

2021 is a charismatic and ageable vintage for Barolo. Yet while the top wines are highly sought after with soaring prices, there is still value to be found.

Serralunga d’Alba has the highest number of village-level bottlings in the region, and is therefore a particularly good source of wines with a good quality:value ratio.

Outstanding wines can be found throughout its numerous MGAs, with Cerretta a virtual treasure trove: Azelia and Ettore Germano’s bottlings are just two gems there.

The township also features the region’s largest number of village bottlings, identified on the label as ‘Comune di Serralunga d’Alba’. Quality and philosophies vary but in 2021, these provide a great source for value as exemplified by Palladino, Mauro Veglio and Fontanafredda.

Overall, 2021 is absolutely an excellent vintage. While it may not reach the exquisite level of refinement as 2016, it is undeniably worth buying.

Furthermore, as prices for the region’s top estates soar, it is a good year to seek out under-the-radar producers.

Below, I have picked out 10 of the best value bottlings of Barolo 2021. Enjoy!

Read Michaela’s full report on Barolo 2021

Barolo 2021: Top value picks

Vietti, Barolo: While not actually the least expensive Barolo, what it delivers for the money is exceptional.

Azelia, Barolo: A finely woven tapestry of the Scavino family’s holdings in Castiglione Falletto and Serralunga.

Castello di Verduno, Barolo: A flagbearer for the village of Verduno; as accessible in price as it is in drinkability.

GD Vajra, Albe, Barolo: When ‘young vines’ means three decades in the ground… This is much more than just a straightforward ‘entry’ Barolo.

Massolino, Barolo: A perennial over-achiever that sets the bar for the rest of the range.

Palladino, Barolo Serralunga d’Alba: One of the most consistent village bottlings that is so satisfyingly Serralunga.

Fontanafredda, Barolo Serralunga d’Alba: An affordable, evocative and widely available snapshot of the township.

Bruna Grimaldi, Camilla, Barolo: Camilla doesn’t aspire to anything beyond short to mid-term pleasures but delivers these with absolute charm.

Icollirossi, Barolo Monforte d’Alba: Showing more focus and polish than in the past, making it a worthwhile buy.

Mauro Molino, Barolo: Despite a pinch from Monforte, this is so elegantly La Morra-esque.

Top 10 Barolo 2021 value picks

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