Event: UTC Blind Tasting - Barolo

Oct 10, 2014
2 min read

The low-down: The UTC is an informal gathering of vinos that meet every month or so in Dubai for a blind tasting. Past tastings have had as themes: syrah, pinot noir and "retro chardonnay".

This evening however was all about Barolo, the venerable King of Italian wine. Barolo is 100% nebbiolo, which means the little foggy one and is named after the fog that covers the hills of Barolo. The wine is produced to be long ageing - by regulation its wines have to be aged two years in oak barrels and one year in the bottle before release.

In all we tasted four Barolos: one 2006 and three 2009s, that ranged between 40 and 100 Euros. These were:

- Dezzani 2006 Barolo Piemonte (separate review here)

- Enrico Serafino 2009 Barolo

- Gaja 2009 Barolo Dagromis

- Prunotto 2009 Barolo

The take: The higher priced wines (Prunotto and Gaja) were ranked behind the Dezzani and the Serafino - which were tied for first place. The Serafino was the only 2009 that was opened too early - that archteypal tannic structure was still there three hours after decanting. The Dezzani, a 2006 vintage and therefore the oldest, was the most reserved taking time to reveal itself in atypical Italian fashion.

The four wines were not homogenous - with varying levels of acidity, sourness, fruit, earthiness and tannins. What was common was rose perfume aromas, oak, pepper, and meaty notes.

In closing: Generally classic Barolos with structure and unmistakable rose perfume. However their high price point and reserved nature left some UTC members wondering what all the fuss was about.

Rating:

Dezzani: 7.5 out of 10

Serafino: 7.5 out of 10

Dagromis: 4 out of 10

Prunotto: 5.5 out of 10

Fact corner:

Country: Italy

Region: Barolo

Producer: Various

Vintage: 2006 and 2009

Grape: Nebbiolo

Alcohol content: 13.5% - 14.5%