Mario Marengo - Barolo Bricco delle Viole DOCG 2019

Aromas of red berries, violets, mint, and licorice. Deep and concentrated on the palate, with vibrant acidity, ripe tannins, and a long, refined finish. An elegant Barolo with great tension and complexity.

Delicious with roasted duck breast, game such as venison or deer, and slow-cooked beef cheek. Also excellent with truffle dishes and aged pecorino. Serve at 17-18 °C.

This historic winery was founded in 1899 by the Marengo family. Marco Marengo is the current owner and heir to founder Mario. Since taking over, he and his wife Jenny and son Stefano (an oenologist) have implemented significant changes to their winemaking and viticultural practices, both in the vineyard and in the cellar. As a result, the estate has seen a tremendous boost in quality, and Marengo’s wines are eagerly sought after both domestically and abroad.

They own only 6 hectares of vineyards, including 1.2 hectares in Brunate, one of the most important crus in La Morra, and 1 hectare in Bricco delle Viole, one of the most important crus in Barolo. These two vineyards have been owned by the Marengo family for five generations. The first Barolo bottling with the Brunate label was in 1974. Bricco delle Viole followed only in 1997.

The philosophy of current winemaker Marco is to respect as much as possible what the vineyards give him: for him, work in the field is more important than work in the cellar.

In addition to the crus, the Barolo Classico—a blend from the Roncaglie, Serradenari, Boiolo, and Fossati vineyards in La Morra—also deserves mention. We are personally very impressed by this Classico.

As the icing on the cake, the Marengos also own a plot of land on the legendary, historic Valmaggiore hill, a kind of amphitheater in Vezza d'Alba, Roero. From the grapes grown on this exceptional parcel, they produce about a thousand bottles of Nebbiolo d'Alba.

Marengo’s winemaking style can safely be called modern. While that is not usually our preference, we are happy to make an exception for Marengo. They pay very close attention to what the grape needs to produce the best possible wine. Marco Marengo is a master in the use of oak, and Marengo’s wines will never leave you with that "typical woody" mouthfeel that is often the case with less skilled wineries. Furthermore, the estate is increasingly opting for aging in tonneaux.

With about 30,000 bottles per year and vineyards in the best crus, this is a winery that makes us very happy.

Bricco delle Viole in Barolo, one of the most renowned MGAs in the region. Its location and limestone-rich soils give the Nebbiolo a combination of floral finesse, freshness, and structure.

Modernly crafted with great attention to the character of the grape and vineyard. The wine is aged in small oak barrels, with the wood used carefully to support the structure without overpowering the fruit and terroir.

The 2019 combines vibrant acidity and ripe tannins with great concentration and depth. Already impressive, but clearly has room for further development. Will keep well until approximately 2036-2040.