A special vintage like 2016 usually comes along only once or twice in a decade and we’ve been eagerly anticipating the ’16 vintage release from Brovia. Year after year, Brovia, led by Elena and Christina Brovia & Elena’s husband Alex Sanchez, makes some of the most consistently balanced and impeccably poised wines in the region. Even in challenging years when others stumbled, Brovia has excelled. After devastating hail and rain in 2014 and the solar 2015 balancing act, 2016 faced none of these challenges. In fact, it was a near perfect year with a warm summer and a cool, dry fall – exactly the kind of weather everyone hopes for in Barolo!

The estate has always worked traditionally, even during the ascent of modernism in the 1990’s and the aughts. On a recent visit to the shop, Alex Sanchez told us that his goal is always to create elegant wines that reflect the vineyard they were grown in. This means no chemical treatments, hand-harvesting, native yeast fermentation in cement, and extended élévage in massive, old oak casks for all Baroli. The grapes are worked as little as possible and the press wine is sold off in bulk to avoid any harsh tannins. The results are harmonious wines that drink surprisingly well in their youth and really blossom after 10 - 20 years in the cellar. Just like in Burgundy, where you want to buy a range of wines from top to bottom from the best growers in outstanding vintages, the same can be said in Piedmont. It’s always nice to have the Barolo Crus, but too often the Barolo Normales are overlooked. Don’t make that mistake and be sure to grab some of this Barolo Normale. They can be enjoyed earlier than the Cru wines, and at a much more manageable price. 2016 stands out as a landmark year for this great estate and any lover of classic Barolo will enjoy having this around!

Cheers,

This wine below is offered on a first come, first served basis. Brovia arrives at the shop next week.

Follow the links below to purchase directly from our site or call / email us if you need some assistance.

2016 Brovia Barolo (750ml)
$60.00 | 24+ Available

Barolo “normale” is comprised 60% of a portion of their holdings in Brea and 40% of the younger vines of their three crus in Castiglione Falletto. One feels both the spicy, boisterous generosity of Serralunga d’Alba and the mineral thrust of Castiglione Falletto in this wine, but this 2016 is notable for its finesse. The contemplative nose evokes a sense of calm stillness, presenting its individual components with clarity and precision; the palate is dynamic in its interplay of pert acidity and fresh, finely wrought tannins. – Rosenthal Wine Merchant