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Brachetto, 1971 Red Wine

Marchesi di Barolo

Bottle size: 75cl

ABV: 12%

Price:

£69.00

1 In Stock

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Description

Vintage & Background

The 1971 vintage in Piedmont is remembered as an excellent year, producing wines of notable character and longevity. Marchesi di Barolo is one of the region’s historic and most respected houses, and this mature Brachetto offers a rare glimpse into the evolution of a classic aromatic Piedmontese red. Originally crafted in a sweeter, fruit-driven style, over five decades of bottle age have transformed it into a beautifully nuanced and evocative wine with remarkable tertiary complexity.



Appearance & Nose

The colour has evolved to a delicate garnet with amber-brick tones at the rim, showing clear signs of graceful maturity. The nose is wonderfully expressive, opening with aromas of dried rose petals, preserved strawberries, and red cherry compote, followed by notes of orange peel, sweet spice, and tea leaf. With air, deeper tertiary nuances of leather, autumnal earth, tobacco, and a gentle balsamic lift emerge, giving the wine added depth and intrigue.



Palate & Texture

On the palate, the wine is soft, silky, and fully resolved. The once vibrant fruit has mellowed into flavours of dried red berries, stewed cherry, and rosewater, layered with subtle notes of cedar, forest floor, and sweet spice. The texture is smooth and harmonious, with any youthful sweetness now integrated into a delicate, mellow richness. The finish is long, perfumed, and gently savoury, lingering with floral and earthy undertones.



Maturity & Drinking Window

Now fully mature, the 1971 Marchesi di Barolo Brachetto is best enjoyed in the near term. Well-stored bottles may still offer beautiful complexity, though the focus is now firmly on tertiary development rather than primary fruit. It is drinking at a fascinating point, offering a rare and memorable mature Piedmontese experience.



Food Pairing & Serving Suggestions

Serve slightly cool at around 14–16 °C to preserve its aromatic lift. Best enjoyed with dark chocolate desserts, berry tarts, soft blue cheeses, or simply on its own as a contemplative after-dinner wine. It can also pair beautifully with hazelnut-based desserts, a classic Piedmontese combination.



Overall Impression & Verdict

1971 Marchesi di Barolo Brachetto is a rare and captivating mature wine that beautifully showcases the evolution of aged aromatic reds from Piedmont. Combining floral elegance, evolved fruit, and tertiary depth, it offers a deeply nostalgic and rewarding drinking experience for lovers of historic bottles.

Decanting

For best results, stand the bottle upright for 2–3 days before opening to allow any sediment to settle. As with many mature wines, the cork may have become fragile with age and should be removed carefully. We recommend decanting gently through a fine strainer to catch any cork fragments or sediment, then allowing the wine to breathe for 30–60 minutes before serving. Serve slightly cool at 14–16 °C.

Condition

Good conditions

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