Barolo 2020 - The latest releases

The 2020 Barolos are just being released with Parusso once again delivering stunning wines. Part of a glorious trilogy (2019, 2020, and 2021) 2020 is less structured than the long-lived 2019. The wines are generously fruity, opulent and expressive with softer tannins, making them more approachable in their youth and more Burgundian in style.

What is Barolo?

Made with 100% Nebbiolo, a thin skinned red grape varietal high in acid and tannins, Barolo is the most prestigious wine made in Piedmont alongsdie Barbaresco. 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.

Although the wines are powerful, rich, long-lived, they are often compared to the great Pinot Noirs of Burgundy, due to their light garnet pigments and bright acidity. They must be aged for at least two years in oak barrels and another year in bottle (five years including three in oak for Riserva) and are known for their aromas of rose flower, tar, and dried herbs.

A short history of Barolo

Barolo, alongside Barbaresco, is the most famous appellation of Piedmont and goes back 2,500 years. One of the first admirers were the Gauls, before the Romans took over the area, with Julius Cesar wanting to bring the wines back to Rome. In the 20th century, Barolo wines were put on the map but the area only earned its own DOCG in 1980.

2020 – The growing season

Overall, the growing season was stable without any real climatic challenges. Spring started with dry, sunny days and ended with much needed rain to replenish the water levels. Followed a warm summer without excessive heat and ideally long sunny days during the harvest. Part of a glorious trilogy, 2020 is another blockbuster vintage with great purity of fruits and approchable in its youth.

2020 - Top recommendations

2020 Barolo Bussia Parusso
Dried orange peel with nutmeg, intriguing minerals and some sweet spices and a touch of hazelnuts. Full body with broad, tight tannins and a flavorful finish. A touch of vanilla and citrus at the end. Very long. Drink from 2026. - 95 points James Suckling

2020 Barolo Mosconi Parusso
Quite a ripe and intense nose with spiced orange citrus with walnut husks and a hint of hazelnut and black licorice. Tight and full-bodied on the palate with a mouthful of dusty tannins that grow, leaving a very rich and spicy finish. Lots of richness here but the finesse comes through as you let it breathe more. Drink from 2027. - 95 points James Suckling

2020 Barolo Perarmando Parusso
Discerning notes of sweet cranberries, sweet spices, blood oranges and dry earth. Fluid in the middle but tight at the end, with fine tannins and a flavorful finish. Ripe and chalky at the end. Drink from 2026. - 93 points James Suckling

2020 Barolo Mariondino Parusso
A rich and very ripe expression showing sweet cranberries, dried strawberries, cooked blood oranges, licorice, spices and hazelnuts. A touch of mineral looms from the glass as you let it breathe. Medium to full body with very tight, chewy tannins and some oak spices looming large at the end. Easy, pleasing richness. Drink from 2025. - 92 points James Suckling