Bruno Giacosa Barolo Rocche del Falletto Riserva 2017 750ml

Wine Advocate, Aug 24, 2023 by Monica Larner
This year's top-end release from Bruno Giacosa is the 2017 Barolo Riserva Falletto Vigna Le Rocche (in the red label). Bottled in 2019, the wine stands apart thanks to a hot and dry growing season that Bruna Giacosa is very excited about. In fact, she prefers 2017 to 2015, although the two vintages do share similarities. This wine is very open-knit, and it reveals dark concentration in the form of ripe blackberry, candied cherry and spice. The tannins show a loose, granular quality that adds considerably to the textural impact of this Riserva.

The knowledge, passion and wisdom that Bruno Giacosa brings to his work as producer of fine wines is the fruit of the dedication of three generations of wine makers. The family interest in vine cultivation began during the constant search for the best vineyards from which to buy the grapes necessary for wine making. The next step, naturally, was to acquire some of the same vineyards for the family business and the one after that, to specialise in the Nebbiolo grape and the grand wines made from it. That Bruno Giacosa is a perfectionist is obvious from the meticulousness with which he applies his craft.
Over decades Giacosa's reputation for perfectionism became continuously reaffirmed and the wines "stylistically consistent and painstakingly crafted". Known for his exacting standards, Giacosa will not bottle any wine if the vintage does not meet his scrutinous quality standards, and the vintage will be sold off in bulk as wine that is termed sfuso. Decanter estimates Bruno Giacosa among Italy's First Growths
Bruno Giacosa suffered a stroke in January 2006 which left him unable to work at the winery though he since made a full recovery. Gradually, Giacosa's daughter Bruna Giacosa, has taken over an increased leadership role of the firm.

Meats, Lamb