Barolo Bricco San Pietro, Anna Maria Abbona, 2020
Barolo Bricco San Pietro, Anna Maria Abbona, 2020
- 75cl
- 14.5%
- Red Still
- Nebbiolo
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Optimal drinking window: 2026 - 2045
Anna Maria Abbona's Bricco San Pietro represents everything we love about serious Barolo from one of Dogliani's most respected families. This single vineyard bottling comes from steep south-facing slopes where Nebbiolo develops the perfect balance of power and elegance that defines great Barolo.
The 2020 vintage shows classic Nebbiolo character with intense rose petal aromatics, cherry fruit, and that distinctive tar and truffle earthiness. Built for the long haul with firm tannins and bright acidity.
Currently in its primary phase with vibrant fruit and firm tannins dominating, this 2020 will begin integrating around 2026 when the tannins start to soften and secondary complexity emerges. The peak drinking window opens around 2030-2038 when the fruit, earth, and floral elements achieve perfect harmony, while tertiary notes of leather, tobacco, and dried fruits develop. The wine should hold its structure and elegance through 2045, gradually becoming more savoury and ethereal. Beyond that, it may start to fade though great Barolo can surprise with longevity well into its third decade.
Tasting Notes
AppearanceDeep ruby with brick edges hinting at its developing maturity.
NoseClassic Nebbiolo aromatics lead with rose petals and violets, followed by cherry and plum fruit. Underlying earthiness brings tar, leather, and that distinctive truffle character that develops with bottle age.
PalateFull-bodied with serious structure, showing bright red cherry fruit balanced by firm but refined tannins. The wine's natural acidity keeps everything fresh and focused, with hints of liquorice and tobacco emerging on the mid-palate.
FinishLong and persistent with mineral precision and that characteristic Barolo grip that promises decades of evolution.
Overall impressionA serious Barolo built for the cellar, showing all the hallmarks of great Nebbiolo with patience required to unlock its full potential.
Food Pairings
In Piemonte, this Barolo would grace autumn tables alongside the region's celebrated white truffles, shaved over fresh tajarin pasta or creamy risotto. The locals pair it with brasato al Barolo, beef braised slowly in the same wine, or with rich game dishes like wild boar stew and venison. Aged cheeses from the region, particularly Gorgonzola DOP and aged Grana Padano, complement the wine's structure beautifully. During truffle season, a simple fonduta with fresh Alba truffles makes for one of gastronomy's great partnerships.
We think this wine would go well with
Serve at 18-19°C in large Burgundy bowls to concentrate the complex aromatics. Decant for at least two hours, longer if serving before 2030, as young Barolo needs time to open and soften. The wine benefits from being opened the day before serving to allow full development. Use proper Nebbiolo glasses with a wide bowl and tapered rim to capture the wine's extraordinary perfume while concentrating the aromatics.
Bricco San Pietro sits on the steep, south-facing slopes of Dogliani at approximately 400 metres elevation, planted on the classic Tortonian soils of blue-grey marl and sandstone that define this part of Piemonte. The vineyard's exposure ensures optimal ripening for Nebbiolo while the calcareous clay retains moisture during dry summers. These ancient marine sediments, rich in limestone and fossils, impart the mineral backbone and structured tannins that allow Barolo to age gracefully for decades.
Barolo DOCG is Italy's most prestigious red wine appellation, covering eleven communes in the Langhe hills where only Nebbiolo may be used. The rules demand minimum 38 months of ageing including 18 months in wood, ensuring wines reach market with some maturity. Barolo's reputation as the 'King of Wines' comes from Nebbiolo's unique combination of power and elegance, developing extraordinary complexity over decades. The appellation's strict regulations and exceptional terroir produce wines that rank among the world's greatest expressions of place.
The 2020 vintage in Piemonte arrived with drama and delivered surprises. A warm, dry summer had producers bracing for another powerful, concentrated year, but September rain changed the script entirely. The downpours refreshed the vines just when they needed it most, allowing for extended hang time without the grapes shrivelling on the vine. Harvest stretched later than expected, with many producers picking Nebbiolo well into October under ideal conditions.
What emerged defied the early predictions of another blockbuster vintage. Instead of the muscular, tannic powerhouses that hot years often produce, 2020 gave us wines with surprising freshness and immediate appeal. The Nebbiolo shows lovely fruit purity without the grip that usually demands years of patience, while Barbera retained its natural acidity despite the warm growing season. These wines are drinking beautifully now, offering rare early pleasure from a region where waiting is usually part of the bargain.
FAQs
What does this Barolo taste like?
Classic Nebbiolo character with intense rose and cherry aromatics, earthy tar and truffle notes, firm tannins, and bright acidity. It's powerful yet elegant with distinctive mineral-driven complexity.
When should I drink this 2020 Barolo?
While approachable now for the experienced palate, it's best to wait until 2028 when the tannins begin to integrate. Peak drinking will be 2032-2038, and it will remain excellent until 2045.
What food pairs best with this wine?
Rich Piemontese dishes like brasato al Barolo, white truffle pasta, aged cheeses, and game meats. The wine's structure handles bold flavours while its elegance complements refined preparations.
Should I decant this Barolo?
Absolutely. Decant for at least two hours, longer if drinking before 2030. Young Barolo needs air to soften tannins and reveal its complex aromatics. Consider opening the day before for optimal development.
How should I store this wine?
Store horizontally in a cool, dark place at 12-15°C with consistent temperature. This is a wine built for cellaring that will reward patience with increased complexity over the next two decades.
What makes Anna Maria Abbona's Barolo special?
The Abbona family's meticulous vineyard work and traditional approach, combined with their prime Bricco San Pietro vineyard site, produces Barolo that expresses classic Nebbiolo character with remarkable consistency and ageability.
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