DAMILANO
PIEDMONT, ITALY 2020
Why Buy: The 1752 Riserva is a 98-point stunner from the acclaimed 2017 harvest ("the best” wines, opined Antonio Galloni of Vinous, "are exceptionally polished, vivid and flat-out delicious”), the 97-pointer from the 2018 vintage that Forbes declared “excellent" is a silken wonder, and the Lecinquevigne (drawn from 5 different sites) is an absolute steal of a deal at under $34 a bottle (a virtually unheard of price for a bottle of Barolo). In all three wines, you will thrill to Damilano's approach, which marries careful cultivation with a deep respect for terroir, resulting in modern-style Barolos that offer both depth and lift.
The Terroir: Damilano has some of Barolo's most revered and historic sites, including the legendary hill of Cannubi – arguably the most historically significant vineyard in the entire region.
What They're Saying: Critics have been lavish in their praise for these Damilano releases. James Suckling awarded the Cannubi Barolo 1752 Riserva 2017 an impressive 98 points, extolling its aromatics (“like smelling a huge bunch of roses”), its “superb tannins,” and its “freshness.” The Cannubi Barolo 2018 garnered 97 points at the Decanter World Wine Awards, where judges declaring it “polished … charming … velvety,” with “enchanting aromas” and “a deeply flavored palate.”
Our Tasting Notes:
* Cannubi Barolo 1752 Riserva 2017: A true powerhouse, this wine unfolds with layers of complexity. The nose is focused and intense, yielding immediate aromas of ripe cherries, roses, and subtle spices. The palate is remarkably balanced, with firm yet silky tannins and a long, resonant finish that speaks to its aging potential.
* Cannubi Barolo 2018: This wine epitomizes the elegance of Cannubi. It offers a delicate nose of red berries, dried flowers, and a hint of tar. The palate is refined and focused, with vibrant acidity and a mineral-driven finish that lingers beautifully.
* Barolo Lecinquevigne 2020: This wine offers a beautiful introduction to Damilano's style. It presents a captivating bouquet of red fruits, violets, and subtle hints of leather and tobacco. On the palate, it's elegantly structured with fine-grained tannins and a persistent, fruit-forward finish.
The Story: The tale of Damilano is, in many ways, the story of Barolo itself. Founded in 1890 by Giuseppe Borgogno, the winery has been a fixture in the Langhe for over 130 years. It was Giacomo Damilano, Giuseppe's son-in-law, who took the reins in 1935 and truly put the winery on the map, transforming it into one of the jewels of the region. Today, the winery is helmed by Giacomo's grandchildren – Paolo, Mario, and Guido. Under their stewardship, Damilano has continued to evolve while staying true to its roots. They've expanded their holdings to include some of Barolo's most prestigious sites, including a significant portion of the famed Cannubi hill. Cannubi itself is steeped in history. Records of its reputation for exceptional wines date back to 1752, making it one of the oldest recognized vineyards in Italy, if not the world. Its unique soil composition – a mix of Tortonian and Helvetian soils – along with its perfect exposure, creates wines of uncommon elegance and complexity. Damilano's approach to winemaking blends respect for tradition with modern sensibilities. While they honor time-tested techniques, they're not afraid to innovate when it serves the wine. Look no further than their use of temperature-controlled fermentation and their judicious use of oak, which allows the character of the Nebbiolo grape and the terroir to shine through.
What to Pair Them With: These Barolos shine brightest alongside rich, savory dishes. The Cannubi 1752 Riserva marries beautifully with a slow-roasted beef brasato, or any other slow-braised meat, while the Cannubi 2018 finds its deepest expression in the company of a selection of aged Piedmontese cheeses. Try the Lecinquevigne with a pasta tossed with butter, fried sage, and pecorino.
Fun Fact: The Damilano family has further cemented its place in the gastronomic world with a Michelin-starred restaurant in La Morra, with cuisine steeped in the culinary heritage of the Piedmont region.
Our Guarantee: As always, we only buy and source directly from the estate, to ensure that your bottles arrive with pristine provenance. Order yours today!
*Offer NOT valid in-store. This offer is made pre-arrival, with wines estimated to be delivered to your preferred store in Winter 2024 (Dec. 21st - Mar. 20th, 2025). With the supply chain issues that we are seeing globally, there may be some unforeseen delays which could affect the ETA. All sale prices are the lowest available at Total Wine & More and ONLY valid through Concierge Sales. No further discounts or coupons may be applied. Offer not valid in KS, MI, NY, or TN. This offer is for ONE WEEK, or until sold out, and will expire on Sunday, September 15th, 2024.