Luigi Einaudi - Barolo Bussia 2016

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The particular mineral component of the Bussia terroir gives the wine great structure and intense color, clean and enveloping tannins with a long and consistent aftertaste. On the nose the scents of red fruits such as raspberry and very ripe pomegranate blend well with spicy and balsamic notes.

Luigi Einaudi Description

It all began in 1897, when 23-year-old Luigi Einaudi (Italy’s first President) purchased the first of the Einaudi estates at San Giacomo. Today, the President’s descendants have chosen to maintain continuity with their extraordinary heritage while looking to the future, turning the oldest wine property in the Dogliani area into a cutting-edge classic. Granddaughter Paola Einaudi, her son Matteo Sardagna, and Giorgio Ruffo – together with technical director Lorenzo Raimondi and winemaker Beppe Caviola – have proven a winning team. Today, the total surface of the property (10 farmsteads) is 358 acres, 111 of which are under vine. The vineyards, in turn, are subdivided into seven terroirs. Four of these are in Dogliani (four hills, one of which is the Vigna Tecc cru, another the premier area of San Luigi), while Barolo comprises two crus (Terlo and Cannubi). Terlo is part of the estate’s original nucleus (marly-calcareous soil at 984 feet above Cannubi hill, at an altitude of 722 feet above sea level), provide a Barolo of superb breed and longevity. The underground winery, located at Tecc and completed in 1993, was gradually doubled in size and provided with state-of-the-art barrel cellars, sophisticated humidity and temperature control systems, and a new-generation bottle cellar stocking over 240,000 bottles.

Wine Enthusiast: 95 Points

Rose, dark-spice and menthol aromas shape the nose. The aromas follow over to the focused palate along with sour cherry and licorice while taut, fine-grained tannins and bright acidity provide support. Drink after 2026.

Decanter: 94 Points

Einaudi’s first release from the Bussia MGA, this hails specifically from the revered slope of Bussia Soprana. Initially restrained, traces of strawberry and raspberry come gradually into focus. At the moment the seduction is all on the palate, where layers of long, fine tannins drape over luscious, pure fruit. Mouthfilling and rich without being dense or heavy, this charming Barolo lingers with accents of sage blossom and incense. Since taking the helm, fourth-generation Marco Sardagna Einaudi has introduced a more delicate press and porous cement tanks for fermentation and post ageing in wood in the quest for a more elegant expression.

James Suckling: 94 Points

The purity of fruit is impressive here with dried strawberries and raspberries with hints of dried flowers. It’s medium-to full-bodied, racy and polished. Drinkable now, but a few years will make it even better. Try in 2023 and onwards.