2019 Damilano Cannubi Barolo 750 ml

Antonio Galloni once called Barolo’s Cannubi vineyard “among the most precious vineyards anywhere in the world.”

The magical site is held in the same reverential regard as Napa’s To Kalon or Burgundy’s Le Chambertin, and the Damilano family has farmed more than HALF of it for over 88 years—and that makes their 2019 Cannubi a world-class Barolo that only they could make.

They knew exactly which rows and barrels to select for this spectacular wine, which hails from a beautiful vintage and two hectares of Nebbiolo vines up to 78 years of age. Sandy soils, a core of old vines planted after the war, and southeast exposure make this a Grand Cru of Barolo, and it brings a spectacular level of quality that puts it on the level of top Burgundy and Bordeaux.

Grapegrowers recognized the sublime quality of the fruit grown on Cannubi’s slopes as early as the 18th century, and they put the vineyard's name on bottles long before the Barolo category was invented. Derived from a local dialect, “Cannubi” translates as “mix of soil,” and refers to the geological anomaly that makes the vineyard a unique and magnificent site.

Cannubi is the only location in Barolo to feature both Tortonian marl and chalky, iron-rich Helvetian soils. This intersection contributes to the wine’s terrific complexity, manifesting both the graceful and muscular aspects of Barolo’s soul.

For inspiration we would turn to NYC’s Atomix, where they pair this with A4 wagyu beef with mushroom rice, cranberry beans, and garlic. The savory and sanguine notes of the wine pairs beautifully with the rich dish—a hedonist’s delight!