Barolo, 1961 Red Wine
Marchesi di Barolo
Bottle size: 75cl
ABV: 13%
Price:
£179.00
Description
Marchesi di Barolo 1961 Barolo
Vintage & Background
1961 is widely considered one of the great Barolo vintages. Warm growing conditions and late harvest allowed Nebbiolo to ripen fully, giving wines with both structure and longevity. Marchesi di Barolo, known for traditional style, made wines in 1961 that have aged into elegance while retaining hallmark Barolo tension.
Appearance & Nose
The colour in bottles that have been well stored tends to be a garnet red, often with ruby tones still visible, especially toward the centre, and slightly more tawny or brick hues at the rim. On the nose, the aromas are expressive and layered: red fruits like cherries and strawberries, orange peel, and floral notes such as rose. As the wine opens, secondary and tertiary notes emerge — earth, spice, leather, even mineral and tar undertones, along with hints of dried herbs or underbrush.
Palate & Texture
On tasting, balance shows prominently. The fruit side still offers red fruit character — cherries, perhaps strawberry or cranberry — though softened by age. There is good acidity, which gives lift and prevents the wine from feeling flat, and tannins are mellow but still tactile, lending structure. Other flavours include leather, dried rose, maybe tobacco or spice, and some earthiness. The texture is generally smooth, more about finesse than power, with a long, thoughtful finish.
Maturity & Drinking Window
This 1961 is fully mature now in most well-kept bottles. The current stage offers vivid tertiary complexities — florals, earthy, spicy depth, leather, dried fruit — though its freshness depends heavily on provenance and storage. For many, this will be an excellent moment to drink, as further ageing may lead to softening of the remaining structure.
Food Pairing & Serving Suggestions
Serve at about 15-17 °C, ideally after decanting to allow sediment to drop and aromas to open. Pair with dishes that can match subtlety and depth rather than overpower the wine — game birds, slow roasted meats, porcini or truffle dishes, aged cheeses, or stews with rich umami and herbal tones.
Overall Impression & Verdict
Marchesi di Barolo 1961 is a wine that shows what Nebbiolo can become with time: layers of aroma, complex texture, and a profile that’s evolved from youthful structure into mature grace. It’s not about raw power now, but about presence, nuance, and elegance. For lovers of old Barolo, particularly those appreciating wine at its mature, contemplative best, this bottle offers a deeply satisfying experience.
Condition
Good conditions