Even in Barolo, few estates match the historical significance of the Borgogno family. Their viticultural roots stretch back to 1720—a full century before Barolo as we know it was even established. This extraordinary heritage passed to Virna Borgogno, who made history as Italy's first female oenology graduate before joining her father Lodovico in the cellar in 1988. 

By 2001, Virna had established her own identity, bringing with her prized vineyard holdings and a philosophy that gave room to both tradition and modernity—truly the best of both worlds. The legendary Sarmassa Cru sits among Barolo's bolder sites, its fuller body and silkier tannins setting it apart from leaner neighbors—perfect for 2021's structured fruit. The 2021 Sarmassa, from 1970s/80s Nebbiolo (Lampia and Michet), ferments in concrete then ages 18 months across Slavonian casks and Allier tonneaux, yielding a ripe, generous cru profile true to its warm, clay-driven south slope.

Why You'll Love It

• Exuberance in the glass: With gorgeous fruit expression, this captures all the sheer joy of drinking young Barolo—its intoxicating perfume of roses and crystalline red fruits—without the fierce tannins.
  

• EXCEPTIONAL aging potential: Surprisingly approachable now, this wine will develop magnificently through 2036+, gaining the complexity that makes aged Barolo so special.

• Rare opportunity: From a historic family estate led by a pioneering winemaker, this dual 93-point wine represents Piedmont's aristocracy at an unprecedented value.

How to Serve It

• Serve at 60-65°F in large Burgundy stems after a 30-minute decant
  

• Pair with classic Piedmontese cuisine—try pappardelle with wild mushroom ragù, or osso buco.

• Cellar a decade plus easily; 2021's balance rewards patience without demanding it.

Critical Accliam:

95 Points, Wine Advocate: 

"Compared to the Cannubi, the Virna Borgogno 2021 Barolo Sarmassa is a little more mineral-driven, and that is a quality I love. The youthful bouquet is wound tight, but you still get aromas of pencil shaving, petrichor and chalky stone. The wine comes roaring out with impressive intensity and an underlying sense of focus and definition. These are some of the best qualities of the balanced 2021 vintage."- Monica Larner