Cannubi, a grand cru from Barolo.

If there were a “Grand Cru” classification in the Barolo region, just like in Burgundy, the Cannubi vineyard would certainly be one. An extraordinary wine in terms of style and elegance. This famous vineyard is already mentioned with accolades in the 17th century. The oldest surviving bottle of Cannubi even dates back to 1752. The name Cannubi is therefore older in history than Barolo. The Damilano Barolo Cannubi 2015 displays more licorice and dark spices than Damilano’s other new releases. There is good volume here, and at the same time, the wine is contained and focused. A ruby ​​garnet color with some orange reflections and a broad, enveloping perfume, with clear fruity notes of cherries and plums and evolved hints of tobacco, licorice, and cocoa. This is a wine with texture and persistence, and you feel its silky effects on the palate for many minutes. It spreads broadly and deeply, revealing savory flavors of herbs, licorice, and some stewed fruit. Naturally, with substantial tannins that give the wine a solid backbone.

The wine is now entering its ‘drinking window,’ as it is so beautifully called. Well cellared, it has a storage potential until approximately 2038. Decant frequently to allow it to breathe! At nearly 15%, the alcohol content is somewhat high, but there is enough texture here to soften the effects. We envision this with rabbit tagliatelle or with pasta featuring sausage meat and porcini mushrooms. Only about 40,000 bottles were produced. In Amsterdam, Damilano is on the wine list at the Amstel Hotel.

Terroir

The absolute quality of the Nebbiolo grapes from the Cannubi hill is determined by the specific composition of the soil: they are not very developed soils, consisting of clayey marl that is grey-whitish on the surface. The land where the Damilano vineyards are located has a high percentage of sand (up to 45%), which gives the grapes intense aromas of cherries, plums, and tobacco.

Low potassium, good calcium, and magnesium give the wine finesse and elegance. With an intense and vibrant color, the wine has a high polyphenolic concentration. The wine possesses a distinct elegance and is particularly suitable for aging. After 5 to 10 years, the complex and mature bouquet will open in all its glory and enchant you with its complexity. Power and refinement in one. Standalone in its class and embodies everything the name Barolo stands for.

The history of Azienda Agricola Damilano dates back to 1890 when the great-grandfather began making his own wine. Today, Paolo, Mario, and Guido, the 4th generation, lovingly hold the reins. Always looking ahead and not afraid of new developments, their sole aim is to further refine the quality of their wines.