Sordo Barolo Gabutti D.O.C.G.
Exposure: South, South-West
Altitude (masl): 250-300 m
Soil: lequio formation with lightly compacted calcareous clay marl from the Helevetian age
Age of the vineyard: 35-50 years
Fermentation in stainless steel tanks at a controlled temperature of 30°C with long submerged cap maceration from 4 to 7 weeks. depending on the vintage. Natural malolactic fermentation at 20°C. Storage in stainless steel tanks for 2-4 months.
Maturation: 24 months in big Slavonian oak barrels.
Ageing: 4-6 months in stainless steel tanks and a minimum 6 months in the bottle.
Architectural wine, line and length, tannin and structure, roast beef, ferrous, umami to the fore, but with fruit, some liquorice, slick of powdery tannin and prodigious grip. Serious business. Long living and brooding. Not for now, later, please.
95+ points, Gary Walsh, The Wine Front, October 2019.
"The bouquet is voluminous and already displays a great array of attractive aromas. Dried flowers, dried herbs, dried berry fruits and tinges of brandied-cherry and star anise, while the palate is big and plush, full-bodied and full-volume with richness, density and generosity to match its abundant tannins. A profound wine whose tannins are massive but not as dry or pointed as the Perno's. (From Serralunga)"
97 points, The Real Review (June 2019)
Lots of dried flowers and ripe fruit with orange and tangerine undertones on the nose. Full body, intense fruit and tar character. Flavorful and chewy finish.
92 points, jamessuckling.com (June 2019)
"This starts out with floral and cherry aromas and flavors, allied to an elegant profile. Tightly wound, with dense tannins that assert themselves on the lingering finish. Fine balance and grace."
92 points, Wine Spectator (October 2019)
The Azienda Agricola Giovanni Sordo is to be found in the heart of the well-known Barolo region, in the municipality of Castiglione Falletto – just a few kilometres away from Alba, in the province of Cuneo. It’s a family-run winery, now in the capable hands of Giorgio – Giovanni’s son – the third generation of a family who has been tending and producing wines for more than a century. The estate was founded in 1912 by the great-father Giuseppe, but the real turn overcame with his son Giovanni who – together with his wife Maria, the real witness of the family’s story – bought several vineyards of Nebbiolo for Barolo - the Sorì in Piedmontese language – among the best in the Barolo wine district. The soil of these vineyards – a compact calcareous marl – is rich in micronutrients which – together with the unique microclimate of the Langhe region – creates a perfect environment for the growing of Nebbiolo grape. It is a vigorous and difficult grape which can give amazing wines with powerful aromas and great ageing potential.
Today the Sordo family owns 53 hectares, spread out in the municipalities of Castiglione Falletto, Serralunga d’Alba, Monforte d’Alba, Barolo, Novello, La Morra, Verduno, Grinzane Cavour and Vezza d’Alba.
Sordo is unique: it is the only existing winery which can boast 8 different kinds of Barolo – the crus – whose vineyards are located in the areas of 5 different municipalities in the Barolo wine district.