Virna Barolo Noi 2019

• Producer: Virna Borgogno — a historic family estate in Barolo.

• “Noi” is conceived as a blend from several crus/vineyards across the Barolo zone (e.g. Monforte d’Alba, La Morra, Verduno, Novello), chosen to reflect a harmonious “house style” rather than a single-vineyard expression. 

• Grape: 100% Nebbiolo (sub-varieties: Lampia and Michet). 

• Vintage: 2019. 

• Alcohol: 14.5% ABV (as listed by multiple retailers for 2019 “Noi”). 

• Vinification & ageing: Maceration 10–12 days (max ~29-31 °C), then aged in large oak casks for ~18 months, followed by further maturation before bottling — as per the winery’s public description.

🍷 Tasting Notes (From Critics & Retail Descriptions)

• Colour: Deep ruby to garnet red.

• Aroma: Red and dark cherries, raspberries, violets, dark plums, licorice, rose petal, hints of cocoa, spice, and tobacco / leather in more mature notes. 

• Palate: Medium to full body, firm tannins, balanced acidity, flavors of red & dark fruit, raspberry/blackberry, dried currant, subtle spice, and earthy undertones. 

• Finish: Persistent, with a lingering blend of fruit, spice, and tertiary (tobacco / tar / leather) notes — especially after some bottle ageing. 

• Critical Scores: 94 pts from Wine Advocate and 94 pts from James Suckling for 2019 vintage. 

🍽 Ideal Pairings

• Braised or roasted red meats (beef, lamb, game)

• Rich pasta dishes (ragù, truffle pasta)

• Mushroom risotto or dishes with earthy notes

• Hard / aged cheeses

• Hearty winter cuisine, slow-cooked stews, or traditional Piedmont dishes

📍 Important Details

• Region: Barolo DOCG, Piedmont, Italy

• Blend: Multiple Barolo crus (rather than single-vineyard / single-cru) — gives a balanced “house style” expression 

• Grape: 100% Nebbiolo (Lampia & Michet) 

• Vinification: Traditional maceration + oak cask ageing 18+ months

• Alcohol: 14.5% ABV (2019) 

• Serving: Best served in a large red glass, decanted if young (to soften tannins), at 17–18 °C

💎 Why We Recommend Virna Barolo Noi 2019

• Represents a balanced and accessible entry-point to Barolo from a respected producer — combining Nebbiolo tradition with careful vinification and blending.

• Strong critical acclaim (94 pts from top reviewers), offering excellent quality relative to price.

• Versatile — works both for immediate drinking (after decanting) and medium-term cellaring (gains complexity, tertiary notes, softens tannins over time).

• Great food-pairing flexibility — from hearty meats to rich pasta or game dishes — making it attractive for restaurants, collectors, and serious wine drinkers.