Marrone

Barbera d’Alba Carlot – 2020

Region: italy - piedmont

Marrone

The origins of Agricola Marrone date back over a century and through four generations where the family has focused on cultivating local grape varietals with a passionate commitment and dedication to the land.

In 1978 ‘Gianpi’ took over full management of Marrone and began a phase of expansion in the vineyards and the cellar space. His wife Giovanna, affectionately known as “Mamma Gio,” orchestrates private hospitality and is the kitchen director. For Giovanna, food is “tradition and Italian values that go hand with our wines.”

When Pietro Marrone was born in 1887, his father Edoardo was already producing wines.  In 1910, at 23 years old, he asked his father to plant some vineyards. In the early 1920s/30s the winery began cultivating vineyards using techniques that were revolutionary at the time: reducing production yields to prioritize higher quality and avoiding sowing wheat between vine rows, a standard practice at the time. This decision was an early adoption of what eventually became known as modern cultivation practices widely used in the region today.

Since 2011 the winery has been run by “Tre Fie,” the three daughters of Gian Piero and Giovanna Marrone. Valentina is the winemaker, Serena runs marketing and business operations, and Denise is the hospitality heart and manager of the visitor programs and restaurant. The farm is run with minimal intervention in the vineyard, a philosophy that carries through from harvest to winemaking. The Marrone family pays careful attention to produce wines that are elegantly structured with the potential to evolve for decades.

The Wine

Vineyard Profile

Vineyards in Madonna di Como, Alba.

  • Altitude: 400 meters
  • Exposure: Southeast
  • Soils: White marl clayey-calcareous, fine limestone, alternated by compact layers of sandstones
  • Vines Planted: 1988
  • Vine Training System: Traditional Guyot
Harvest Notes
  • Hand harvested the last week of September
  • Crushed and destemmed, maceration with skins for 12-14 days at 26º C
  • Malolactic fermentation in stainless steel tanks
  • Aged 12 months in 60% French and Austrian, 3rd passage oak barriques and 40% steel vessels
  • Bottled under nitrogen cover
Winemaker's Notes

Named after Carlot, our historical winery in Maddona di Como. The nose reveals fruity hints of blackberry and cherries in alcohol, floral notes of violet and delicate spicy nuances in the background. Tasting characterized by an important structural richness, where the initial heat is balanced by the typical acidity. Long and satisfying in the gustatory development, soft, balanced in tannins with a lingering finish.

Wine Summary

100% Barbera; alcohol: 15%; Maddona di Como vineyard; vines planted 1988 at 400 meters; Southeast aspect; soils white marl, clay-calcareous with alternating sandstone layers; hand harvested first week September; pressing and fermentation in stainless steel for 12 -14 days at 26º C; malolactic fermentation in stainless; aged 12 months in 60% French and Austrian, 3rd-fill barriques, 40% stainless steel; bottled under nitrogen cover.

Technical Information
  • 100% Barbera
  • Alcohol: 15%
  • Total Acidity: 6.11 g/l
  • Extract: 30.1 g/l

Reviews

91 Points

A fresh and fruity red with sliced cherry and berry flavors and a hint of vanilla. Medium body, fine tannins and a delicious, fruity finish. Drink now

jamessuckling.com, August, 2022

16.5 Points

Full bottle 1,290 g.
Fresh, vivacious and really rather gorgeous cherry fruit, rose petals and sweet fresh oregano. The tannins are gentle and ripe and hold everything together with a light touch and an easy sway. Fluid, pure and delicious. 2023 – 2026

JancisRobinson.com, July, 2023

General Info

Country Italy
Region Piedmont
Appellation(s) Barolo DOCG; Langhe DOC
Proprietors Gian Piero Marrone
Founded 1887
Winemaker Valentina Marrone
Annual Production 4600 9L cases
Farming (Sustainable, organic, biodynamic) Organic