Brezza Barolo Cannubi 2019

Brezza Barolo Cannubi 2019 is a 750ml, 14.5% ABV single-vineyard Barolo crafted from 100% Nebbiolo grown on the legendary Cannubi cru in Piedmont, Italy. This limited-production release—just 9,000 individually numbered bottles—earned 96 points from both Wine Spectator (Kerin O'Keefe) and Wine Enthusiast, affirming its standing among the finest expressions from the 2019 vintage.

Quick Facts: ABV: 14.5%  |  Origin: Barolo, Piedmont, Italy  |  Vintage: 2019  |  Producer: Azienda Agricola Brezza Giacomo e Figli

Production & Heritage

Azienda Agricola Brezza Giacomo e Figli is a family-run estate rooted in the commune of Barolo, with deep ties to the Cannubi vineyard—a cru whose history on a wine label dates back to 1752, making it one of the earliest documented single-vineyard designations in all of Italy. Fermentation occurs spontaneously with indigenous yeasts over 7–8 days, followed by a prolonged maceration of 10–15 days to extract color, tannin, and aromatic complexity without the use of filtration or clarification. The wine then rests for 24 months in traditional Slavonian oak barrels before an additional 12 months of bottle aging, a regimen that preserves the transparent, site-driven character Cannubi is revered for.

Tasting Notes

Aroma: Pink rose petals and camphor lead the initial impression, followed by layers of fresh cherry, incense, and sweet spice. A subtle undercurrent of new leather and cedar adds depth as the wine opens in the glass.

Taste: The entry is silky and remarkably pure, delivering crushed red berries and dried violets across the front palate. At mid-palate, flavors of cranberry, star anise, and wild herbs emerge alongside hints of orange zest. The peak reveals darker notes of cassis and dried earth, supported by a firmly structured but refined tannic framework.

Finish: Long and elegantly structured, the finish carries lingering impressions of menthol, licorice, and dried ginger. Fine-grained tannins persist without harshness, leaving a mineral-laced signature that invites the next sip.

How to Drink Brezza Cannubi

This is a wine built for contemplative drinking. Serve at 60–65°F in a large-bowled glass, ideally after a 60- to 90-minute decant to allow its aromatics to fully unfold. A Barolo Negroni—subbing Nebbiolo-based vermouth for sweet vermouth—respects the wine's regional identity. A classic Sangria Piemontese made with seasonal stone fruits draws out the cherry and spice notes. For a simpler mixed approach, a Nebbiolo Spritz with sparkling water and a strip of orange peel showcases the wine's floral perfume in a lighter format, though purists will rightly insist this bottle deserves to be poured on its own.

Best For

• Gifting a serious Barolo collector a numbered, limited-production cru bottling
• Anchoring an Italian wine dinner alongside Piedmontese cuisine
• Cellaring for long-term development over the next 10–20 years
• Marking a milestone anniversary or significant celebration with a 96-point wine

Frequently Asked Questions

What does Brezza Cannubi 2019 taste like? It delivers pure, silky red berry fruit—cherry, cranberry, cassis—layered with dried violets, star anise, wild herbs, and a persistent licorice-and-menthol finish framed by refined tannins. The overall impression is one of elegance and aromatic complexity rather than sheer power.

How does Brezza Cannubi compare to Bartolo Mascarello Barolo? Both estates are recognized as top Cannubi producers and share a family connection—the late Bartolo Mascarello was Enzo Brezza's godfather, and Maria Teresa Mascarello is Enzo's cousin. Stylistically, Brezza tends toward transparent, site-expressive purity with native-yeast fermentation and Slavonian oak aging, while Bartolo Mascarello is celebrated for its traditional blending of multiple cru vineyards into a single Barolo bottling.

Is Brezza Cannubi 2019 good for cellaring? Yes—the wine's firm tannic structure, natural acidity, and concentrated fruit suggest a drinking window that extends comfortably 10 to 20 years from vintage, though it already shows impressive expressiveness in its youth after proper decanting.

Where is Brezza Cannubi made? It is produced by Azienda Agricola Brezza Giacomo e Figli in the commune of Barolo within the broader Barolo DOCG zone of Piedmont, northwestern Italy. The Cannubi vineyard sits on the southern slopes of the Barolo hill, one of the appellation's most storied and historically documented crus.

What foods pair well with Brezza Cannubi 2019? Braised short ribs or osso buco complement the wine's tannic backbone and earthy depth. Tajarin pasta with a butter-and-truffle sauce mirrors its Piedmontese origin. Aged Parmigiano-Reggiano or Castelmagno cheese echoes the wine's savory, umami-rich undercurrent. Roasted duck breast with a cherry reduction plays off the dominant red-fruit character. A simple risotto al Barolo creates a harmonious regional pairing.

What sizes does Brezza Cannubi 2019 come in? The standard release is a 750ml bottle; each of the approximately 9,000 bottles produced is individually numbered.

Is Brezza Cannubi 2019 worth the price? It positions as a premium single-cru Barolo from one of the appellation's most legendary vineyards, and dual 96-point scores from Wine Spectator and Wine Enthusiast place it among the top-rated wines of the vintage at its price tier—strong value relative to other similarly scored Cannubi bottlings from marquee producers.

Why Brezza Cannubi?

The combination of a 96-point consensus from two of the world's most prominent wine publications and a production run of just 9,000 numbered bottles makes the 2019 vintage a genuinely rare find. Cannubi's distinction as the first vineyard ever named on a Barolo label—documented in 1752—lends historical weight that few single-vineyard designations anywhere in the world can match. Brezza's commitment to spontaneous fermentation, extended maceration, and zero filtration results in a Barolo that channels its site with unusual transparency. For collectors and enthusiasts seeking an authentic, terroir-driven expression of one of Italy's greatest crus, this bottling stands on its own merits.