Sordo Giovanni Barolo Monvigliero 2019

Sordo Giovanni Barolo Monvigliero 2019 comes from one of Verduno’s most revered crus, a hillside vineyard long considered a “grand cru” of Barolo for its finesse and complexity. Crafted from 100% Nebbiolo, this single-vineyard bottling showcases Monvigliero’s signature aromatic lift, silky structure and remarkable depth. For collectors and enthusiasts alike, it offers a textbook expression of a historic site that many experts rank among the very finest in the region.

Tasting Notes
In the glass, the 2019 Monvigliero reveals a radiant garnet hue with brick reflections at the rim, typical of Nebbiolo from a top Barolo vineyard. The nose is immediately expressive and refined, with lifted aromas of rose petals, violet, dried cherry and raspberry, backed by notes of sweet spice, anise, licorice, blood orange zest and a delicate hint of tobacco and underbrush. On the palate, this wine is all about precision and elegance rather than sheer power. Fine, chalky tannins frame flavors of red cherry, wild strawberry, pomegranate and cranberry, layered with savory nuances of fennel seed, white pepper, dried herbs and subtle balsamic notes. The texture is supple yet structured, with a long, graceful finish that carries floral and mineral tones. 2019 is a classic, well-balanced vintage with the concentration and acidity for long-term aging; this Barolo will reward patience over the next 12–20 years, evolving toward more truffle, leather and forest floor complexity while retaining its core of red fruit and perfume.

Production
Monvigliero is one of Verduno’s most coveted vineyards, known for its south to southwest exposure, breezy hilltop position and predominantly light, sandy-calcareous soils that give particularly aromatic and elegant Nebbiolo. Sordo Giovanni farms the vines traditionally, with careful green work in the vineyard and hand-harvesting to ensure only perfectly ripe, healthy bunches reach the cellar. After destemming and gentle crushing, fermentation typically takes place in temperature-controlled tanks with extended maceration on the skins to extract color, tannin and aroma. The wine is then aged in large Slavonian oak casks (botti), allowing slow, harmonious development without overwhelming the delicate character of the cru, before further bottle aging prior to release.

Food & Serving
This Barolo’s finesse and aromatic complexity make it a natural match for refined dishes such as tajarin pasta with white truffle, veal roast, braised rabbit, or classic Piedmontese brasato al Barolo. It also pairs beautifully with game birds, duck, porcini risotto, aged Parmigiano Reggiano and hard alpine cheeses. Serve at 16–18°C (60–64°F) in large Burgundy or Barolo glasses to let the bouquet fully express itself. Decant for 1–2 hours in its youth to soften the tannins and open the aromatics; older bottles (10+ years) generally need a shorter, gentle decant to separate any sediment and allow the wine to blossom.

Producer
Cantina Sordo Giovanni is a historic, family-run estate based in the heart of Barolo, with deep roots in the Langhe dating back several generations. Known for its traditional style and extensive holdings across many of the appellation’s most important crus, Sordo has become a reference point for authentic, terroir-driven Barolo. The winery’s commitment to long aging in large Slavonian oak and a faithful expression of each single vineyard has earned it a strong reputation among Barolo purists. Their Monvigliero bottling, in particular, highlights the estate’s ability to capture the unique personality of this grand hillside in Verduno—combining classic structure with exceptional elegance and aromatic complexity.