Bruno Giacosa Wine Tasting at WWWB

“Bruno Giacosa…is a quiet and dignified winemaking genius in Neive … the least promotion-conscious winemaker in Italy who prefers to let his wines do the talking for him.” -Robert M. Parker Jr.

If I had to pick a favorite wine it would without question be Champagne but if I had to pick a favorite grape varietal it would be Nebbiolo.  This is a varietal that only grows and produces world class wines in the Piedmont region of Northern Italy.

There are many small producers in the Piedmont that make outstanding wines but there are only a few that are mentioned when the words "who are the best" comes out and Bruno Giacosa is almost always one of the names on the lips of those that love Barolo and Barbaresco.

Profound passion for Piemontese wine handed down for three generations…Bruno Giacosa, a man of few words but eloquent talent, practices an extremely simple philosophy based on the respect of traditions both in the vineyard and in the cellar. Giacosa brings out a richness of flavor and an intensity of character to produce wines of meditation. In addition to Bartolo Mascarello, Giacomo Conterno, and Aldo Conterno the Giacosa estate is the most respected producer of traditional style Barolo.                

Bruno Giacosa is not an enologist, which surprises most people. He learned by working with his father and grandfather and became fascinated by what could be created from the grape. Bruno feels that wines were better in the past, when there was less sophistication and treatment made to both grapes and wine, less handling. The yields were smaller as well. In the old days, he points out, things were done more simply and with more care.       

Until recently Giacosa owned no vineyards; he bought all the grapes he required, selecting, as he still does, from some of the area’s best sites. In 1982, he bought the Falletto vineyard in Serralunga. Giacosa firmly believes in the value of single-vineyard bottlings.  Crus are only bottled in the better vintages, and if a wine does not attain a very high standard, he either declassifies it, selling the wine as a simple nebbiolo, or he does not bottle it at all. That said, the high hill country positioning—400 meters above sea level—the propitious south/southwest sun exposure, and the peculiar microclimate of the amphitheatre-like vineyards assure a remarkable location for vines. Given the combination of all of these elements, Bruno Giacosa understandably produces an extensive range of high-profile bottles. The Giacosa family has been making wine in the Langhe region of Piedmont for three generations. Bruno Giacosa credits his winery’s success to his respect for traditional winemaking methods which enhance the characteristics of Piedmont's varietals.       

The Giacosa property covers 37 acres that are entirely cultivated to vines. The altitude of the estate, its ideal exposure (south/south-west), and the microclimate combine to create optimal winegrowing conditions. Giacosa makes wine not only with grapes from his property but also with grapes purchased from growers he has known for 30 years and trusts completely. In fact, he made his reputation as an outstanding selector of fruit.  In the vineyard, yields are kept intentionally low (less than 2.5 tons per acre) to concentrate the flavors in the fruit. The winemaking methods employed are scrupulous and traditional without ignoring the benefits of modern techniques.

The Piedmont has experienced an unprecedented string of outstanding vintages from 2004-2013 this region has experienced outstanding to excellent weather conditions for all its wines from Moscato D’Asti to Barolo.  Which is the best?  Well that depends what you want the wine for.  If you are collecting the 2004, 2006, 2008, 2010, 2012 and 2013 seem to have the best structure for long term aging.  If you would like to take the wine home tonight and drink it the 2005, 2007, 2009 and 2011 vintages seem to have produced the most ripe and opulent wines. 

Join us as we experience some of the greatest wines that the Piedmont has to offer and although Bruno will not be here in person his spirit and wines will be on the table along with our friends from Folio Fine Wine Partners and Chef Toni Lampasone will be making a special menu to accompany these incredible wines.  The fee for this event is $295 + tax, for reservations call 954-523-9463 or e-mail andy@winewatch.com.  There are only 16 spaces available for this event!!

Bruno Giacosa Wine Tasting at Wine Watch Wine Bar
Thursday, January 25th
7:30pm

Bruno Giacosa Roero Arneis 2015
Price: $23.50       Sale $20.68          Case $240.00

(90 Points) The Bruno Giacosa 2015 Roero Arneis is a mineral-driven and beautifully fresh white wine that would taste great on a warm summer evening. The wine sports a luminous golden color that seems slightly more intense in this vintage. The bouquet offers citrus, peach, dried sage and crushed oyster shell. In the mouth, the wine is tangy and crisp.  Robert Parker's Wine Advocate

Bruno Giacosa Dolcetto d’ Alba 2016
Price: $23.75       Sale $20.90

Intense and complex, with cherry, strawberry and blackberry notes. On the palate, the wine is full-bodied and well-balanced, with good freshness.

Bruno Giacosa Barbera d’ Alba 2015
Price: $27.75       Sale $24.42

Intense ruby red color with violet reflections. Intense winey bouquet recalling sour cherry and spices. Lively, generous, and full flavor.

Bruno Giacosa Nebbiolo d’ Alba Valmaggiore 2014
Price: $47.25       Sale $41.58

Garnet red color and intense, pleasing bouquet offering soft fruits (raspberry and blackberry). Dry, balanced and harmonious on the palate.

Bruno Giacosa Barabresco Asili 2012
Price: $180.00    Your Price: $158.40
Quantity in Stock: 30

(94 pts) Bruno Giacosa’s 2012 Barbaresco Asili benefitted from a warm growing season. The wine opens to a dark, compact appearance and shows an impressive level of aromatic intensity and complexity. The tannins are slightly less mature and more astringent in 2012 compared to 2011. This bodes well for the aging potential of this beautiful wine. Fresh acidity caps a very pretty portrait of the Nebbiolo grape. This is a lovely offering from this historic producer. Robert Parker - Wine Advocate Jun 2015...

2009 Bruno Giacosa Barolo Le Rocche Falletto
Price: $450          Sale $396.00

(95 Points) The 2009 Barolo Le Rocche del Falletto comes from a south-facing parcel with steep slopes for well-draining soils. The vines are approximately 35 years old. There-s a touch of extra ripeness here, even a hint of strawberry, backed by rich berry fruit, cassis and blackberry. The wine shows its most elegant side in the mouth, where the firming, polished tannins give the wine backbone and grace. It-s deliciously silky and extra fine with microscopic precision. Anticipated maturity: 2016-2036.  Robert Parker's Wine Advocate

2011 Bruno Giacosa Barolo Falletto (Magnum)
Price: $450.00    Your Price: $396.00
Quantity in Stock: 2

(94 Points) The 2011 Barolo Falletto is a beautifully balanced and determined wine. It spends 30 months in oak and this warm vintage is already showing a quick bottle evolution. This was an early vintage: Fruit was harvested on September 23, which is ten days before average. It shows soft, luscious lines and ripe fruit favors that are both generous and opulent. Yet, there is a healthy crunchiness and crackle in the mouth that makes for a long aging future ahead. Barolo Falletto closes with pretty aromas of dark fruit, spice and shaved truffle.  Robert Parker's Wine Advocate

2008 Giacosa Barolo Riserva Falletto (Magnum)
Price: $750.00    Your Price: $660.00
Quantity in Stock: 2

(96 Points) The 2008 Barolo Riserva Le Rocche del Falletto (aged 36 months in botte grande) is a gorgeous wine from every perspective. Its 360-degree beauty shines comes through in terms of the intensity of the bouquet and the elegance of the mouthfeel. Again, super-finely textured tannins give the wine backbone and create a supporting structure for rich fruit flavors. There-s just enough consistency here to fill the palate, yet the wine is never heavy or flat. It shows vibrant energy thanks to the natural freshness and that beautiful note of garden fresh red rose that pops up as nostalgic sign-off. Anticipated maturity: 2017-2040. Robert Parker's Wine Advocate

Bruno Giacosa Barbaresco Rabaja Riserva 2001
NA

(97 Points) The 2001 Barbaresco Riserva Rabaja is another wine I tasted many times before it was released. It is, in my view, one of the greatest wines Bruno Giacosa has ever made. That said, there is some variation in the 2001 that is probably attributable to different suppliers of cork. Although this bottle is not as thrilling as others have been, there is still plenty of the darkness, depth and structure that are such Rabaja signatures. Firm tannins ensure the 2001 will drink well for many years and decades to come. I often enjoy Barolo and Barbaresco on the younger side, but the 2001 Rabaja is a bottle I would prefer to continue to cellar for at least another few years. In the mid 2000s, Giacosa made several fabulous Barbarescos from a parcel he labeled as being in Rabaja, but that was later placed within Asili when the Menzioni Geografiche Aggiuntive (the approximate Italian equivalent of the French 'cru') were drawn up a few years ago. Tasted: August 2016.  Robert Parker's Wine Advocate

Menu

Beef tartar with fried capers Purple Onion Quail Egg and roasted garlic black pepper aioli
Butternut Squash Ravioli with sage brown butter and roasted Pine Nuts
Veal Osso Bucco with Barolo Natural sauce and wild mushroom soufflé

The fee for this tasting and dinner is $295 + tax for reservations call 954-523-9463 or e-mail andy@winewatch.com

The Rest of the Bruno Giacosa in the store:

2014 Bruno Giacosa Roero Arneis
Price: $31.50    Your Price: $27.72
Quantity in Stock: 7

Dark, straw-yellow colour. Intense, fine and elegantly fruity bouquet reminiscent of peach, apricot, citrus, fruit and acacia flowers. Fresh and fragrant flavour with soft plentifulness.

2011 Bruno Giacosa Barbaresco Santo Stefano
Price: $210.00    Sale $184.80

(93 Points) Graphite, floral, cherry, licorice and tobacco aromas and flavors abound in this firm, muscular red, which stays bright and focused, with a chewy, savory finish. The last vintage of Santo Stefano under the Giacosa label. Best from 2016 through 2025.  Wine Spectator

2012 Bruno Giacosa Barolo Falletto
Price: $255          Sale $224.40

(94 Points) A gorgeous red, featuring all the hallmarks of great Barolo, with cherry, strawberry, floral and tobacco flavors that show hints of tar and licorice. The beefy tannins are there, but they’re not overwhelming, and this glides to a lingering aftertaste of fruit, mineral and savory elements. Best from 2020 through 2038.  Wine Spectator

2011 Bruno Giacosa Barolo Falletto
Price: $270          Sale $237.60

(94 Points) The 2011 Barolo Falletto is a beautifully balanced and determined wine. It spends 30 months in oak and this warm vintage is already showing a quick bottle evolution. This was an early vintage: Fruit was harvested on September 23, which is ten days before average. It shows soft, luscious lines and ripe fruit favors that are both generous and opulent. Yet, there is a healthy crunchiness and crackle in the mouth that makes for a long aging future ahead. Barolo Falletto closes with pretty aromas of dark fruit, spice and shaved truffle.  Robert Parker's Wine Advocate

2009 Bruno Giacosa Barolo Le Rocche Falletto
Price: $277.50    Sale $244.20

(95 Points) The 2009 Barolo Le Rocche del Falletto comes from a south-facing parcel with steep slopes for well-draining soils. The vines are approximately 35 years old. There-s a touch of extra ripeness here, even a hint of strawberry, backed by rich berry fruit, cassis and blackberry. The wine shows its most elegant side in the mouth, where the firming, polished tannins give the wine backbone and grace. It-s deliciously silky and extra fine with microscopic precision. Anticipated maturity: 2016-2036.  Robert Parker's Wine Advocate

2012 Bruno Giacosa Barolo Falletto
Price: $255.00    Sale $224.40

(94 Points) A gorgeous red, featuring all the hallmarks of great Barolo, with cherry, strawberry, floral and tobacco flavors that show hints of tar and licorice. The beefy tannins are there, but they’re not overwhelming, and this glides to a lingering aftertaste of fruit, mineral and savory elements. Best from 2020 through 2038.  Wine Spectator

2011 Bruno Giacosa Barolo Falletto
Price: $270          Sale $237.60

(94 Points) The 2011 Barolo Falletto is a beautifully balanced and determined wine. It spends 30 months in oak and this warm vintage is already showing a quick bottle evolution. This was an early vintage: Fruit was harvested on September 23, which is ten days before average. It shows soft, luscious lines and ripe fruit favors that are both generous and opulent. Yet, there is a healthy crunchiness and crackle in the mouth that makes for a long aging future ahead. Barolo Falletto closes with pretty aromas of dark fruit, spice and shaved truffle.  Robert Parker's Wine Advocate

2008 Giacosa Barolo Riserva Rocche Falletto Riserva 3 Liter
Price: $1575.00    Your Price: $1386.00
Quantity in Stock: 1

(96 Points) The 2008 Barolo Riserva Le Rocche del Falletto (aged 36 months in botte grande) is a gorgeous wine from every perspective. Its 360-degree beauty shines comes through in terms of the intensity of the bouquet and the elegance of the mouthfeel. Again, super-finely textured tannins give the wine backbone and create a supporting structure for rich fruit flavors. There-s just enough consistency here to fill the palate, yet the wine is never heavy or flat. It shows vibrant energy thanks to the natural freshness and that beautiful note of garden fresh red rose that pops up as nostalgic sign-off. Anticipated maturity: 2017-2040. Robert Parker's Wine Advocate

2009 Bruno Giacosa Barolo Rocche Falletto Magnum
Price: $480.00    Your Price: $422.40
Quantity in Stock: 3

(95 Points) The 2009 Barolo Le Rocche del Falletto comes from a south-facing parcel with steep slopes for well-draining soils. The vines are approximately 35 years old. There-s a touch of extra ripeness here, even a hint of strawberry, backed by rich berry fruit, cassis and blackberry. The wine shows its most elegant side in the mouth, where the firming, polished tannins give the wine backbone and grace. It-s deliciously silky and extra fine with microscopic precision. Anticipated maturity: 2016-2036. Robert Parker's Wine Advocate

2009 Bruno Giacosa Barolo Rocche Falletto 3 Liter
Price: $1025.00    Your Price: $902.00
Quantity in Stock: 1

(95 Points) The 2009 Barolo Le Rocche del Falletto comes from a south-facing parcel with steep slopes for well-draining soils. The vines are approximately 35 years old. There-s a touch of extra ripeness here, even a hint of strawberry, backed by rich berry fruit, cassis and blackberry. The wine shows its most elegant side in the mouth, where the firming, polished tannins give the wine backbone and grace. It-s deliciously silky and extra fine with microscopic precision. Anticipated maturity: 2016-2036. Robert Parker's Wine Advocate

2011 Giacosa Barbaresco Asili Riserva Red Label Magnum
Price: $750.00    Your Price: $660.00
Quantity in Stock: 3

(95 Points) The 2011 Barbaresco Riserva Asili (red label) is a full and generous wine that wraps thickly over the senses. The bouquet shows enormous depth and power with a generous presentation of dark fruit, cassis, balsam herb, cola, licorice, tar and lingering smoke. There is an evident sense of fruit ripeness here that helps to build momentum and staying power. Clay soils in the vineyard site have also helped to contribute to the heft and full-bodied nature of this special wine. The finish is characterized by mild acidity and lingering flavors of ripe fruit. The opulent fruit of the wine recalls the 2007 and 2004 vintages.  Robert Parker's Wine Advocate

2011 Giacosa Barbaresco Santo Stefano Magnum
Price: $375.00    Your Price: $330.00
Quantity in Stock: 3

(93 Points) Graphite, floral, cherry, licorice and tobacco aromas and flavors abound in this firm, muscular red, which stays bright and focused, with a chewy, savory finish. The last vintage of Santo Stefano under the Giacosa label. Best from 2016 through 2025. 200 cases imported. –BS  Wine Spectator, October 2014

2011 Giacosa Barbaresco Asili Riserva Red Label 3 Liter
Price: $1500.00    Your Price: $1320.00
Quantity in Stock: 1

(95 Points) The 2011 Barbaresco Riserva Asili (red label) is a full and generous wine that wraps thickly over the senses. The bouquet shows enormous depth and power with a generous presentation of dark fruit, cassis, balsam herb, cola, licorice, tar and lingering smoke. There is an evident sense of fruit ripeness here that helps to build momentum and staying power. Clay soils in the vineyard site have also helped to contribute to the heft and full-bodied nature of this special wine. The finish is characterized by mild acidity and lingering flavors of ripe fruit. The opulent fruit of the wine recalls the 2007 and 2004 vintages.  Robert Parker's Wine Advocate

2012 Bruno Giacosa Barolo Falletto (Magnum)
Price: $450.00    Your Price: $396.00
Quantity in Stock: 3

(94 Points) A gorgeous red, featuring all the hallmarks of great Barolo, with cherry, strawberry, floral and tobacco flavors that show hints of tar and licorice. The beefy tannins are there, but they’re not overwhelming, and this glides to a lingering aftertaste of fruit, mineral and savory elements. Best from 2020 through 2038. Wine Spectator