Everything comes together here: a top vineyard in an almost uniquely good vintage!

This wine takes us to Brunate, one of the most celebrated vineyards in the appellation and one of the five prized sites cultivated by the Damilano family. The Damilano Barolo Brunate 2016 clearly displays its heritage and is perhaps the most classic wine in this group of five vineyards, thanks to its intensity and remarkable depth. When Brunate delivers, and it does here, you get a lot of dark fruit, blood orange, and a metallic note. All presented in an absolutely pure and pristine manner. The Brunate cru is composed of 25% sand, 45% silt, and 30% clay, so you get a bit more structure here compared to the more ethereal Cannubi just over the next hill.

Damilano has created a magnificent wine with the Damilano Barolo Brunate 2016 in this edition of only 2,900 bottles (released in April 2020). So beautifully perfumed with blueberries, raspberries, violets, and flowers. Full-bodied, transparent, and so clear, with intense, firm tannins and a seamless finish. Crisp and powerful. This wine calls for hearty dishes to enjoy in the winter. A wild boar ragout with pappardelle or just a piece of the best Parmesan you can find.

2016 vintage: a spectacularly good wine year

In 2016, everything in Barolo truly seemed to fall into place. “The right moment in the right place,” according to Antonio Galloni of wine magazine Vinous. The 2016 vintage had everything needed to produce magnificent, or rather spectacular, wines! Or, to quote Antonio Galloni once again: “… a vintage full of truly spectacular, breathtaking wines that captures all the pedigree that Nebbiolo and Barolo are capable of.”

2016 was a classic year with a late ripening of the already late-ripening Nebbiolo. It was a predominantly dry and warm year, but without excessive temperatures. Well-timed rain showers in July and August ensured the right balance. However, the cool evenings in September were the most decisive factor in this exceptional harvest. This created the perfect conditions for a classic late harvest in October.

The quality of the 2016 Barolos is therefore more than outstanding. The wines have an impeccable balance, beautiful acidity, and an exceptionally fine tannin structure. Somewhat comparable to the 2008 vintage, but with more body and structure.

Damilano

The Damilano family winery is widely regarded as a true leading player in the Barolo wine region. The current winery dates back to 1935, but their vineyards on the Cannubi hill (the most prestigious wine hill within the Barolo commune) date back to 1752. The history of this historic family business began in 1890 when Giuseppe Borgogno – the great-grandfather of the current owners – began vinifying the grapes from his vineyards himself, instead of selling them to other producers. Together with his son-in-law, Giacomo Damilano, he tended the vineyards and the vinification of the wines.

In the years that followed, the family business grew into a successful winery, and in 1997, Giacomo's grandchildren took over the management. Although more than good wines have always been produced, the drive and energy of this 4th generation – consisting of Paolo, Mario, and Guido Damilano – have ensured that quality has risen to great heights. A constant stream of innovations has led to internationally highly regarded Barolos of majestic elegance.