Marchesi di Barolo : Cannubi 2012

Characteristics and tasting tips for the Cannubi 2012 from Marchesi di Barolo

Tasting

Appearance
The appearance reveals a deep ruby red hue with characteristic garnet highlights.

Nose
The bouquet is balsamic and complex, unveiling aromas of dried small red berries, wild rose and spices. Notes of undergrowth, toast, menthol and cherry brandy emerge, accompanied by hints of licorice. With aeration, the nose evolves toward nuances of toasted almonds, cocoa beans and vanilla.

Palate
On the palate, this wine is full-bodied with silky, enveloping tannins of fine elegance. The palate reveals flavors of tart morello cherry, licorice, spices and earth. After aeration, notes of balm, aromatic herbs and toasted spices unfold. The finish lingers at length on spicy accents with a remarkable mineral and earthy persistence.

Food and wine pairing

This Barolo Cannubi 2012 pairs perfectly with egg pasta from the Piedmont region, particularly tajarin and agnolotti del plin. It magnificently accompanies grilled or braised red meats, beef and veal, as well as game preparations such as wild boar, venison and wild birds. Aged cheeses, particularly those made from sheep's and goat's milk, also make a harmonious pairing.

Serving and storage

This wine benefits from being decanted or aerated at length before serving. It is ideally enjoyed at a temperature of 18°C. According to professional assessments, the Barolo Cannubi 2012 can be appreciated until around 2027, or even until around 2033 according to some sources.

An elegant Barolo from the prestigious Cannubi cru in Piedmont

The estate

Founded in 1929 by Pietro Abbona and his family, Marchesi di Barolo perpetuates a winemaking heritage dating back to 1807, when Marquise Juliette Colbert de Maulévrier revolutionized the production of Barolo. Today, the estate is led by Ernesto and Anna Abbona, representing the fifth generation, alongside their children Valentina and Davide, who embody the sixth generation. This independent family property cultivates approximately 200 hectares of vines spread across the finest terroirs of Piedmont, including the historic crus of Barolo. Certified SQNPI since 2022, Marchesi di Barolo farms its vines without chemical herbicides and favors environmentally respectful practices. The estate stands out for its philosophy grounded in the knowledge and respect of terroirs, producing wines of remarkable elegance and complexity.

The vineyard

The Cannubi vineyard occupies a privileged position at the heart of the Barolo appellation. Documented since 1700, this cru represents the most famous and historic site in the region. Cannubi is a hill rising gradually between 280 and 320 meters in altitude, benefiting from ideal south and southeast exposures. The soils, formed from geological formations approximately ten million years old, consist of clay-limestone marls rich in Sant'Agata fossils. This unique composition, comprising approximately 55% clay, 30% sand and 15% limestone, with the presence of magnesium and manganese carbonates, gives Cannubi wines their characteristic elegance and remarkable aromatic intensity.

The vintage

The 2012 vintage proved particularly demanding for Piedmont winemakers. The year began with a harsh winter marked by significant precipitation and snowfall. Spring maintained irregular temperatures throughout the season. The Cannubi vineyard suffered hail damage during the growing period, significantly reducing yields. These difficult conditions required a drastic selection of grapes to preserve the final quality. Despite these challenges, the best-exposed and rigorously sorted parcels produced wines of remarkable concentration and finesse.

Winemaking and aging

The Barolo Cannubi 2012 is crafted according to the estate's traditional methods, prioritizing respect for the expression of the terroir. The grapes, hand-harvested and rigorously selected due to the vintage conditions, are vinified plot by plot. Winemaking is carried out with indigenous yeasts, thus preserving the authenticity of the Cannubi terroir. Aging takes place in oak barrels, including the five historic barrels that once belonged to Marquise Giulia and were restored in 2002, creating a direct material link with the estate's bicentennial history.

Grape variety

100% Nebbiolo