Barolo Kings: Cavallotto
Cavallotto is undeniably one of Italy's greatest wineries. And because it is one of our favorite wineries in the world, anyone who disagrees is a) itching for a fight and b) wrong!
There's a lot to digest below, wines that are category-defining for us and something for each and every Italian wine fan. Poster-wine Barolo to prove us all that we should drink more young Barolo. Barolo Riservas which are among the kings of Barolo. A sub-$20 Dolcetto we buy and drink by the case. Our gold standard for Barbera. In our esteem, no Italian wine collection is complete without Cavallotto, so you know what to do.
$79.95 in any 12 bottle or Build a Case order ($88.95 regular)
I am on a personal crusade to encourage red wine lovers to drink young Barolo. Does Barolo age? Of course it does. Should Barolo only be drunk with a bunch of age? Of course not–and every restaurant in Barolo would be in trouble if that were the case because they primarily serve and sell young Barolo! This '17 is the perfect poster-wine for my crusade; it's a gorgeous wine with massive early appeal. And duh, it will age. Join my crusade–drink young Cavallotto! -Marcus
I love what Vinous founder Antonio Galloni had to say about this wine and topic: "The 2017 Barolo Bricco Boschis is superb. A rush of crushed raspberry, rose petals, mint, sweet spice and blood orange gives the 2017 its effusive, sexy personality. Medium in body and exceptionally polished, the 2017 is an absolute jewel of a wine. Many 2017s are nervy and in need of time to soften, but not the Bricco Boschis. All the elements are so well-balanced. If I was going to open a wine for someone who was not familiar with Barolo, I might very well open this. It’s impossible not to love the 2017 Bricco Boschis."
$124.95 in any 12 bottle or Build a Case order ($139.95 regular)
97 points Wine Enthusiast: "Aromas of leather, scorched earth, grilled herb and camphor come to the forefront along with a whiff of hazelnut. Savory and full-bodied, the compelling palate delivers dried cherry, orange zest, black licorice and baking spice set against youthfully firm but refined tannins."
Us: The more expressive and accessible Cavallotto Riserva in its youth, Vignolo is where my love of Cavallotto began (the 2000 vintage, which I should have bought more of). This '15 is a showstopper–savored over two days, without decanting, with a hearty meal of brasato al Barolo (beef braised in Barolo), was heavenly.
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$149.95 in any 12 bottle or Build a Case order ($169.95 regular)
98 points Wine Enthusiast: "Aromas of underbrush, camphor, new leather and woodland berries mingle with a whiff of pressed rose petal on this compelling red. Still youthfully austere but already incredibly delicious, it delivers raspberry compote, truffle, tobacco and licorice framed in tightly knit, noble tannins. Fresh acidity keeps it balanced. Another fantastic showing from this wonderful estate."
Us: Only a tad shy, compared to the Vignolo, but still expressively aromatic, delectably succulent, a king of wines. San Giuseppe has rightfully taken its spot among the absolute best of Barolo. Any doubters better put up their dukes.
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$134.95 in any 12 bottle or Build a Case order ($149.95 regular)
97 points Wine Spectator: "This is full of sweet, ripe plum, cherry, leather, soy and tobacco aromas and flavors, with smoky notes of autumn woods. Though firmly structured, there's energy here that carries through the long, detailed finish. Evokes both strength and elegance. Drink now through 2040."
Us: A special treat for the season: San Giuseppe with a few extra years of age. Truly wonderful!
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Mind-blowing Barbera and Dolcetto at fantastically accessible price!
$19.95 in any 12 bottle or Build a Case order ($21.95 regular)
Cavallotto is Barolo royalty. One of my wine rules to share: any time you have access to a top producer from one of the world's great wine regions for less than $20, you have to buy. It's that simple. Cavallotto's Dolcetto is like everything they make: traditional in style, exquisite in balance. The Piemontese drink tons of Dolcetto–it is super food-friendly and great to sip on its own. Especially tasty and frankly, a total steal.
$34.95 in any 12 bottle or Build a Case order ($38.95 regular)
Our gold standard for Barbera, in a league with few (if any?) peers. 2018 delivers exceptional freshness and elegance to go with the dark intensity of Barbera. If Barolo and Barbera had a lovechild, this would be it.