The 1961 Marchesi di Barolo is a highly mature, historical vintage from the birthplace of Barolo. Typical tasting notes reveal a medium tawny color with fully tertiary aromas like prunes, dried fig, cigar box, and old leather.
Because of its advanced age, the wine requires careful handling. Bottles of this vintage are fully tertiary and likely well past their peak drinking window, meaning they are primarily collector's items. If you choose to open a bottle, it is highly recommended to stand it upright for at least 24 hours to let sediment settle, uncork carefully without a traditional corkscrew if the closure is fragile, and avoid decanting to prevent rapid oxidation.
Key characteristics
- Historical Significance: Marchesi di Barolo is the cradle of Barolo wines, producing wines with a rigorous and elegant structure.
- Flavor Characteristics: The wine is a tan color with complex aromas of dried fig, truffle, old leather, tobacco, and pine smoke, exhibiting a remarkably bright acidity.
- Food Pairing: Its high acidity and tannins pair well with red meat, game, or rich stews.
- Market Situation: This is a rare, older vintage collectible. Some bottles may show signs of low-level decay due to long-term aging; careful attention to storage conditions is necessary when purchasing.
Vintage Profile & Tasting Notes
- Color & Body: Medium tawny, medium body.
- Aromas & Palate: Completely tertiary profile featuring dried fig, raisin, prune, old leather, and cigar box.
- Acidity: Surprising brightness and acidity for a wine of its age, typically balanced with very soft, integrated tannins.
- Alcohol: 13% ABV
