As I was contemplating what wine I was going to serve at our weekly Sunday dinner with family, I decided to serve the 2010 Giacomo Brezza Barolo Sarmassa. How can you go wrong with a wine that some say is the wine of kings, and the flavor and texture is like an iron fist in a velvet glove? I thought the same thing.
The Brezza Estate is located directly in the town of Barolo and really dials in on the tradition and natural flavors that the Nebbiolo grape has to offer. The Brezza Estate dates back all the way to 1885. Giacomo and his father Antonio first bottled their first offering in 1910. They own about 18 hectares all over the region, and 15 of the 18 are located right in Barolo. Now, the 4th generation of Brezza’s are running the show and are becoming a force to be reckoned with in all of Italy. Most who live, drink, or work in the region feel that the Brezza’s wide success is due to their respect for the land and more importantly, the grapes. What really stands out for me is the patience that the Brezza’s take in the aging process of the wine. The wine is aged in large oak barrels called “botti”, and that process alone makes wine lovers all over the world gravitate towards this wine. The Brezza’s truly are one of Italy’s finest wine families, and it shows in their wines.
Now back to the feast. Wine Enthusiast describes this wine as having “a multi-dimensional fragrance of crushed flower, new leather, earth, incense, spice and black cherry…red berry accented with notes of black pepper, cinnamon spice, licorice and clove.” So, I decided to pair this Barolo with grilled radicchio and goat cheese, drizzled with a balsamic reduction and topped with roasted pistachio nuts for starters. The main attraction is a gigantic bowl of homemade tagliatelle served with a rich and hearty lamb ragu presented family style. The richness of the lamb paired perfectly with the subtle flavors of spice and cinnamon in the wine. A match made in heaven if you ask me. I thoroughly enjoyed this offering from Giacomo Brezza, and it would be a welcome addition to any holiday table.
2010 Giacomo Brezza Barolo Sarmassa – 97 Points Wine Enthusiast
“From one of the best sites in Barolo, this intense wine opens with a multi-dimensional fragrance of crushed flower, new leather, earth, incense, spice and black cherry. The vibrant, spicy palate delivers red berry accented with notes of black pepper, cinnamon spice, licorice and clove. Bold but noble tannins and brisk acidity promise fantastic aging potential...” Wine Enthusiast