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PREMIUM

Barolo 2016 ‘MGA’ late releases tasted

Barolos bearing additional geographical designations, known as MGAs, are gaining in popularity as producers seek natural brand extensions and the potential to enter the market at a higher price than their classic bottlings. Michaela Morris reports on the late-release Barolo MGA 2016s.

Barolo can be divided into two broad categories – those simply labeled Barolo and those bearing an additional geographical designation (menzioni geografiche aggiuntive, or MGA). Infinitely more romantic, ‘cru’ is commonly (though inaccurately) used interchangeably with MGA to indicate these smaller defined areas within the larger region.

Barolo’s MGAs have given value and order to its diverse land, with cru bottlings a vehicle to express that.


Scroll down for tasting notes and scores from the Barolo MGA 2016 late releases


Sites like Prapò, Lazzarito and Parafada demonstrate the vigorous structure of Serralunga but each with a slightly different voice. Conversely, Rocchettevino and Gattera exhibit the finer frame and evocative perfume of La Morra, with the latter characterised by haunting truffle nuances. And Bricco Rocche is just one example of the alliance of power and finesse that Castiglione Falletto’s crus can achieve.

Differences between crus are crystal clear in 2016. ‘A great vintage is when every hill does its homework,’ concurs Giacomo Conterno at Aldo Conterno.


See tasting notes and scores for the Barolo MGA 2016 late releases


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