At a recent Bay Area trade tasting packed with high-caliber Piedmontese producers, one single-cru Barolo squared up and completely stole the show: the 2021 Bruna Grimaldi Barolo "Bricco Ambrogio." The 2021 vintage in Barolo is already hailed as an all-time classic—Antonio Galloni of Vinous noted that 2021 produced wines of "striking clarity, sensational balance, and remarkable freshness." While many 2021s demand a decade in the cellar, this bottle is flat-out delicious right out of the gate. In the glass, it pours a deep ruby-red and opens with warm aromas of black raspberries, orange peel, crushed rose, and exotic clove spice, followed by a ripe core of red and blue fruit anchored by remarkably fine, silky tannins.

This immediate accessibility is directly tied to the unique terroir of Bricco Ambrogio and the generational expertise of the Grimaldi family. Bruna Grimaldi, her husband Franco, and their children Simone and Martina farm with deep respect for traditional Langhe viticulture. Located in Roddi at 270 meters elevation, their prized parcel in Bricco Ambrogio is a sun-drenched hill with perfect southern and southeastern exposures. This distinct, warm microclimate allows Nebbiolo to reach optimal phenolic ripeness earlier than neighboring sites, ensuring lush fruit and refined tannins even in cooler vintages—earning a trio of 93-point reviews from Wine Advocate, Jeb Dunnuck, and James Suckling.

Critical Acclaim:

Critical Acclaim:

93 Points, Jeb Dunnuck:

“Gaining in intensity, the 2021 Barolo Bricco Ambrogio is a youthful ruby/red color and opens to notes of black raspberries, pine needles, clove, and sweet spices. There is a compact feel on the palate, with chiseled tannins, ripe fruit to cushion the firmer structure, and a savory finish with good length. Drink 2025-2040.
”

93 Points, James Suckling: 

Austere, if not raw feel on the nose, with citrus notes, lifted oranges, fresh small violets, sour redcurrants and hints of spices. The ripeness of the tannins is good, with medium body and zesty acidity. Fully focused on freshness, but it needs time to develop fully. Try after 2028.”

93 Points, Wine Advocate:

“The Bruna Grimaldi 2021 Barolo Bricco Ambrogio reveals a bouquet that is initially timid and takes a little extra time to find focus. Once it does, it delivers cassis, dark currant and spice. It has crushed rose and licorice, but your attention is drawn to mostly red and blue fruits. There is a hint of tea leaf or tobacco that gives the wine a slightly savory side. This MGA is located in Roddi at 270 meters in elevation with southeast and southern exposures”

Why You'll Like It

• Hard-to-Find Direct Allocation: Sourced directly from importer cellars, bypassing traditional retail shelves where single-cru 2021 Barolos of this caliber are scarce.

• Open & Accessible Vintage: Delivers the legendary freshness and structural clarity of the 2021 vintage, but with the lush, sun-drenched fruit texture that makes it approachable today.

• Benchmark 93-Point Pedigree: Universally praised across the board by Wine Advocate, Jeb Dunnuck, and James Suckling.

• Authentic Family Estate: Crafted with meticulous hands-on care by Bruna Grimaldi and her family using traditional organic farming and classical Langhe cellaring techniques.

How to Serve It

• Temperature: Serve at cellar temperature, 60–65°F, to allow the bright fruit and spice aromatics to blossom.

• Glassware: Large Burgundy stem or dedicated Barolo glass to capture the lifted floral nuances.

• Decanting: Decant 45–60 minutes prior to serving to soften the youthful tannins.

• Pairing Suggestions: Slow-braised beef short ribs, mushroom risotto with shaved truffles, roasted duck breast, agnolotti dal plin, or aged Parmigiano-Reggiano.