Barolo Riserva 2016 vintage report: 20 top picks by quality and value

The 2016 vintage is one of the best in Barolo, indeed since at least 2010 which is comparable in the exceptional quality produced in terms of both Barolo and Castiglione Falletto.

Many previous vintages have tended to favour a specific appellation or soil type; Tortonian soils versus Serravallian soils; cooler or warmer expositions and so on whereas the 2016 wines seem to have performed well across the whole region.

Scroll down to see the Barolo Riserva 2016 tasting notes and scores

Barolo 2016

2016 was an extraordinarily regular vintage. Earlier bud-burst coupled with a delay caused by a cooler spring and warmer August and September rendered the growing season extremely long. The sound weather during the harvest resulted in wines showing great concentration and restraint, an amazing ripeness of tannins, and tension suitable for the long haul.

‘One could not consider 2016 anything less than a great vintage,’ explained Alessandro Masnaghetti in his vintage report on barolomga360.it, ‘particularly considering such unanimous agreement. The wines show the classic traits of the best vintages of the past combined with a balance, completeness and depth that is truly rare. To my palate many of the wines are already approachable today, although I’m sure that not everyone will agree on this point.’

What is interesting to note is the vintage’s character, which is austere like great Barolo of the past – built for the long haul – but balanced due to the noble nature of the tannins.

The quality is so all-encompassing that it’s difficult to say which side of Barolo performed better.

In my opinion, however, it is the eastern side of Monforte and Serralunga which benefitted more from this tannic refinement, mostly in terms of short-term drinking – although I must admit my general preference for this side of Barolo!

On-going debate

When tasting these Barolo Riserva, most of the wines are clearly not ready to drink yet – even after the stipulated five years of cellar ageing, of which at least 18 months must be in oak.

What is happening in the Langhe is a two-sided debate: on one side, a shorter oak ageing requirement is desired; on the other side there is a tendency to allow the name ‘Riserva’ for special cuvées aged longer than the minimum guaranteed by the appellation.

Marco Parusso, Domenico Clerico with his ‘Per Cristina’, Luca Roagna and many others, for example, are releasing Barolo Riserva after 10 years.

Future

Looking ahead, the next great vintage after 2016 will likely be 2019, which looks very promising. The Riserva will not be released until 2025, however.

Aldo’s Barolo Riserva 2016 recommendations:

Wines tasted in February 2022 in Alba at the annual Nebbiolo Prima event, the vintage preview organised by Consorzio Albeisa

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Aldo Fiordelli is an Italian wine critic, journalist and wine writer. He has published four books about food, wine and art and is a regular Decanter contributor.

In Italy he is an editorial board member of L’Espresso restaurant and wine guide (one of Italy’s most prominent) since 2004. He also writes for Corriere della sera in Florence, as well as Civiltà del Bere (Italy’s oldest Italian wine magazine).

A certified sommelier since 2003, he is currently a 2nd stage student at the Institute of the Masters of Wine.

In 2017 he was named Chevalier de l’Ordre des Coteaux de Champagne.

Aldo joined DWWA for the first time as a judge in 2019.

Barolo Riserva 2016 vintage report: 20 top picks by quality and value