Damilano is one of Barolo's historic families: it all began in 1890 with Giuseppe Borgogno, who improved the winemaking of his Langhe grapes, and since 1997 the estate has been run by his grandchildren Paolo, Mario and Guido Damilano. Lecinquevigne, made since 2002, is the house's "classic" Barolo: a blend of five vineyards, as the name says, telling the story of cru Barolo through the tradition of combining several sites.
The Nebbiolo comes from five renowned crus: Cannubi, Liste, Cerequio, Brunate and Raviole, on south-east-facing calcareous clay soils, with vines planted between 1970 and 1990 (average age around 40 years), Guyot-trained. Fermentation lasts about 15 days in stainless steel, with 10 days of maceration; the wine then ages for 24 months in large oak casks of 20 to 100 hectolitres and 12 months in bottle.
The 2022 is a generous Barolo, already enjoyable: deep ruby with garnet glints, aromas of cherry, raspberry, dried rose, orange peel, anise and leather; on the palate red fruit and plum, dense, finely etched tannins, tobacco, spice and a floral, mineral finish. With braised meats, tajarin with ragù, roasts and aged cheeses; delicious now, yet it will comfortably age for a decade and more.
At a glance: 100% Nebbiolo · 14.5% ABV · 0.75 l · Damilano, Barolo