The 2021 Barolos are just being released. Part of a glorious trilogy (2019, 2020, and 2021), 2021 is a fantastic vintage and has been rated 5* in Decanter Magazine. The wines are "richer than the generally austere 2019s but more vibrant than the open-knit 2020s", as per Antonio Galloni's report. The vintage is also very consistent across the appellation. The most sought-after are terrific but so are the entry levels, the sign of an outstanding vintage. 2021 is also the last vintage of the glorious trilogy. 2022, 2023 and 2024 will be less generous so this is one to stock up.
2021 is a superb vintage for Barolo - Vinous
a vintage of striking character, ripe fruit, and formidable structure, hinting at impressive longevity. Michaela Morriss, Decanter
What to expect?
Overall, the wines have a similar structure than the 2019s but with more flesh. They show freshness and great aromaticity. It is a vintage of substance and volume with ample, ripe tannins, well-integrated alcohol well-balanced with the acidity. The wines are charismatic, well-structured and with great ageing potential
The Growing Season
The growing season started early until temperatures cooled a bit in April and May with some localised frost damage. Overall, 2021 was warmer than the previous year, especially during summer but there was no spike of high heat. Rainfall was lower than normal but both winter water reserves, cooler temperatures at night, and well-timed summer showers, helped mitigate the stress. The harvest started later than the previous year.
Barolo's Sub Regions
The appellation is made of a complex patchwork of vineyards with various exposures and topographies resulting in wines with distinct expressions even when produced from neighbouring sites. Therefore, understanding the land is paramount to understand Barolo.
Source of structured and mineral wines, Monforte d'Alba did very well in 2021 with Bussia leading the way. The wines show great balance. We were particularly impressed with Parusso which we tasted last week. XXX
Serralunga d'Alba is well known for its iconic monopolies which includes Bruno Giacosa's Falletto. The wines here are outstanding with great results for Ceretta and Ettore Germano.
In the vineyards surrounding the village of Barolo, the heat was felt more than in other parts of the appellation but some producers such as GD Vajra did extremely well.
Our top recommendation for 2021
Parusso
2021 Barolo Bussia 95 JS | 93 VINOUS
2021 Barolo Mosconi 94 JS | 93 VINOUS
2021 Barolo Mariondino 93 JS | 92 VINOUS
2021 Barolo Perarmando 94 JS
Other wineries
2021 Barolo Massolino
2021 Barolo Vajra
2021 Barolo Elio Altare
2021 Barolo Roberto Voerzio
2021 Barolo Paolo Scavino