Barolo Riserva Brunate Marcarini 1971 - Elvio Cogno - Piedmont

About Domaine Marcarini

Domaine Marcarini, located in La Morra, is one of the guardians of Piedmontese tradition. Its worldwide renown was forged in the 60s and 70s under the technical direction of Elvio Cogno. This visionary was one of the first to isolate the best terroirs to produce prestigious single-vineyard crus, establishing a style that combined structural power and aristocratic elegance.

About the Cuvée and the Appellation

The "Brunate" is one of the most famous and qualitative vineyards (MGA) in the entire Barolo area, shared between La Morra and Barolo. This bottle is a "Riserva," a detail printed in red diagonally on the label, indicating extended aging in large oak foudres. These bottles come from the limited production of Elvio Cogno, at a time when the alcohol content already reached 14%, a sign of exceptional phenolic maturity.

About the 1971 Vintage

1971 is unanimously hailed as the "vintage of the century" for Barolo. Perfect climatic conditions led to wines with a monumental balance of acidity, tannins, and alcohol. More than 50 years later, 1971 wines from great producers like Marcarini/Cogno continue to defy time with astonishing freshness and aromatic complexity.

Bottle Condition

The condition of these two bottles is exceptional for their age. The fill levels are perfect (just below the capsule), which guarantees optimal preservation without oxidation. The labels are extremely clean, with vibrant colors, and the capsules are original and intact. Museum pieces ready for tasting.

Tasting Notes

Garnet robe with brick-orange nuances. The nose is a symphony of noble tertiary notes: white Piedmont truffle, tar, faded roses, old leather, and sweet spices. On the palate, the wine offers a silky texture characteristic of the La Morra terroir, with completely polished tannins and an interminable finish on blond tobacco and cherry pit.

Food and Wine Pairings

• Braised red meats or feathered game
• Dishes with Alba white truffle (Tajarin, Risotto)
• Aged cheeses such as Castelmagno or old Comté
• The quintessential meditation wine, to be enjoyed on its own

Serving Suggestions

• Serving temperature: 18°C
• Aeration: Do not decant brutally. A slow opening 2 to 3 hours before tasting in the bottle is recommended to avoid rushing these venerable wines.
• Cellaring: At their peak, they can still keep for several years thanks to their perfect fill levels.

WUAT Note

Owning a Brunate 1971 from Elvio Cogno is holding a page of Italian wine history. The combination of the mythical vintage, the legendary terroir, the "Riserva" mention, and the master's touch makes it one of the most sought-after bottles in the world. Impeccable condition.