Barolo DOCG Castellero
Location: town of Barolo
Soil structure: sandy loam
Composition of soil: sand 40%, silt 33%, clay 27%
Trellising: Vertical canopy
Vineyard expansion: 0.6920 ha
Pruning system: traditional Guyot
Exposure: South
Planting with: 1 m X 2.7 m.
Altitude: 300 m
Plant density: 3,700 plants per hectare
Varietal: Nebbiolo
Sub varietal: Lampia
Production: about 6.000/7,000 KG / ha
Rootstock clone: K5BB
Year planted: 1970
Soil characteristics
The geological features that characterize this vineyard are called DIANO SANDSTONE, in the era of Elveziano originated by currents of murky underwater. This soil is sandier than Cannubi and gives a well-structured wine that when young will seem unbalanced. It is recommended for consumption at least 6 years after the harvest.
Production process
The vinification style, as for all our wines, is that we use a light hand that is more to accompany the grapes until the bottle. We believe that a wine especially from a single variety, is unique and unrepeatable we think of our winemaking like how a child is accompanied in its growth without force, to encourage their unique personality to come forth. The above grapes are vinified separately only in vintages that are of good quality. In contrast, over the years less fortunate, we will plan to blend our Nebbiolo grapes from other subareas to produce a Barolo without the mention of vineyard.
Serving recommendations
If you have a good storage cellar, in exceptional vintages, it would be better not to drink before the sixth year after the harvest the Barolo coming from a MEGA (Additional Mention of the Geographic) because if consumed younger you will miss out on the developed fragrances that emphasize the origin of the vineyard and also you will miss out on the qualities of the great aged reds.
The service temperature can vary from 16-18 °C / 60-64 °F if the Barolo is young; it is recommended pouring it into a large glass directly from the bottle; if the wine has more the 15 years of age it would be better to open the bottle pour a small glass to taste and let rest in the bottle for 2 or 3 hours before serving.
When a Barolo is more than 20 years, it is recommended to use a candle to control the clarity of the wine when being decanted, in order to leave the deposits that may have formed during aging. This operation must precede the consumption of at least 15 minutes. As for pairings, red meats, game, and stronger cheeses. Throughout the course of a meal it is recommended to start with a younger Barolo (less austerity) and as the meal progresses build up to a Barolo with more age and fuller character.
| Guide | Vintage | Edition | Score |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kerin O’Keefe | 2022 | 2026 |
92 Polished and fragrant, the Brezza 2022 Barolo Castellero offers lovely scents of lavender, wild berry, eucalyptus and spice. Ethereally elegant, the tangy palate features tart red cherry, spiced cranberry, teaberry and baking spice before an orange zest finish. Lithe, fine-grained provide gentle support while fresh acidity keeps it bright. This is already accessible but will also offer several years of fine sipping. Drink 2027–2034. Abv: 15% Kerin O’Keefe February 2026 ©kerinokeefe.com |
| Guida Vitae - AIS | 2021 | 2026 |
93 Pairing: Grilled Pigeon |
| I Vini di Veronelli | 2021 | 2025 | |
| Guida Vini BIO | 2021 | 2025 |
5/5 Foglie |
| Kerin O’Keefe | 2021 | 2025 |
95 From the MGA of the same name located in the village of Barolo at an altitude of 300m above sea level in a site with predominately sandy soils, the Brezza 2021 Castellero has beautiful aromas of wild rose, camphor, cedar and dark culinary spice. Elegantly structured and still primary, the vibrant palate delivers red cherry, licorice, white pepper and black tea set against a tannic backbone and firm acidity. Give this time to develop to its full potential. Drink 2031–2041. Abv: 14% Kerin O’Keefe January 2025 ©kerinokeefe.com |
| Vert de Vin | 2021 | 2025 |
93 (organic) The wine has a pale ruby color. The nose offers tension, a certain density and a savory spiciness. It opens with notes of nutmeg, licorice, crushed coriander seed, as well as delicate herbal aromas (crushed wild mint, cut thyme, fresh rosemary, fresh tobacco, black tea) and a fragrant and expressive floral bouquet (violet, wild rose, peony). The fruit is elegant and airy - we find notes of bigarreau cherry, morello cherry, blackcurrant, blueberry, raspberry and cranberry, combined with notes of cocoa nibs, mint chocolate and toasted hazelnut in the background. The palate is straight, precise, with a tangy and slightly bitter attack (cranberries, bergamot). We then find notes of raspberry, red cherry, blueberry and blackcurrant, combined with a delicate herbaceous touch (black tea, dried mint, a hint of tobacco and blackcurrant leaf), with chocolatey and roasted touches (cocoa nibs, coffee, toasted hazelnut). The finish is expressive, tangy and sapid, with flavors of tangy fruits (cranberries, red cherry, blackcurrant), as well as a menthol (sweet wild mint) and mineral framework, combined with a smoky and slightly bitter touch. Tannins are polished, powerful and well-structured. Lots of energy, concentration in freshness, but the wine seems closed for the moment. 16.25 92-93 |
| Vinous | 2020 | 2024 |
87 The 2020 Barolo Castellero is laced with crushed flowers, mint, macereted red cherry and herbs. The aromatics are attractive, but the 2020i is also a bit light and lacking in structure. This searing , old-school Barolo may come together a bit more in time, but today it is painfully austere. |
| I Vini di Veronelli | 2020 | 2025 | 92 |
| Guida Vitae - AIS | 2020 | 2025 |
91.5 Profumato, ricco di frutta rossa e classicifiroi nebbiolo. Espressione nitida anche al gusto, preciso, proporzionato, sapido. Una delizia. Gulasch di manzo alla paprica dolce. |
| Wine Enthusiast | 2020 | 2024 |
93 This Barolo from the Castellero cru inviting aromas of ripe red cherries, fragrant rose petals, and a hint of forest floor scattered with pine needles. On the palate, the wine is well-structured and elegant, with flavors of juicy raspberries, black currants, and a touch of earthy truffles. Subtle notes of licorice and dried herbs lift at the end with fine-grained tannins creating satisfying finish. A good way to fall in love with Barolo. |
| Kerin O’Keefe | 2020 | 2024 |
93 Extremely refined, the 2020 Castellero from Brezza has lovely aromas of woodland berry, new leather, Alpine herb and dark culinary spice. On the linear palate, taut, chalky tannins accompany wild strawberry, blood orange, star anise and crushed mint while fresh acidity keeps it balanced. With event sandier soils than the Cannubi vineyard, Castellero combines youthful austerity with structure and elegant restraint and needs a few more years to fully integrate. Drink 2027–2035. Abv: 14% Kerin O’Keefe February 2024. |
| GUIDA PROSIT - ONAV | 2019 | 2024 |
3/3 Prosit |
| Vinaria | 2019 | 2024 |
16,5 16,5/20. Feine, würzige Fruchtnase, helle Nüsse, zart rauchig, kraftvolles Fruchtspiel, helle Kirsche, saftig, straff, noch mit Kanten, zeigt sich in bester Struktur, gut balanciert, sehr ansprechend. |
| I Vini di Veronelli | 2019 | 2024 | 92 |
| Guida Vitae - AIS | 2019 | 2024 |
3,5/4: Abbinamento Tagliata di manzo al rosmarino |
| Vinibuoni d’Italia | 2019 | 2024 | |
| Guida Vini BIO | 2019 | 2024 |
5/5 (Foglie) Regala al naso note di ciliegie, lamponi, melograno, gelsomino, citronella, sandalo, spezie, gesso sbriciolato e sbuffi balsamici. Sorso pieno, gustoso, fresco ed elegante. |
| WineSurf | 2019 | 2023 |
83 Floreale, acacia, erbe officinali, fiori di campo, abbastanza persistente, tannini dolci, fresco, giustamente tannico. |
| Kerin O’Keefe | 2019 | 2023 |
95 Brezza’s 2019 Castellero is smooth, bright and delicious, delivering juicy red berry, baking spice, crushed mint, orange zest and star anise aromas that carry over to the racy, focused palate. It’s loaded with youthful tension and shows great aging potential. Drink 2029–2044. Abv: 14.5% Kerin O’Keefe April 2023 ©kerinokeefe.com |
| Vinous | 2019 | Nov 2022 |
94 Drinking Window: 2027 - 2039 Antonio Galloni, November 2022 The 2019 Barolo Castellero is a deep, beguiling wine. Deeply pitched spice, menthol, licorice and dried herbs meld into a core of dark-toned fruit. Virile and imposing, with notable inner sweetness, the Castellero is stunning. There's a bit of new oak influence, but it is not dominant. This is another superb Barolo from Brezza. |
| Guida Vitae - AIS | 2018 | 2023 |
88-90 4 t': Abbinamento: Filetto al vino rosso e scalogno |
| Guida Vini BIO | 2018 | 2023 |
Foglio d'oro Menzione speciale per i vini che si sono distinti per eleganza, qualità e specificità: Veste granato. Aromi di frutti di bosco, succosa ciliegia, violetta, sottobosco, menta, anice, spezie, cuoio. Palato sapido insieme a una vibrante acidità, tannini tesi e raffinati. |
| Vinaria | 2018 | 2022 |
16,5 /20: Florale Nase, Veilchen, kraftvoll in kühler Aromatik, Kirsche, Himbeere, schlanke Struktur in feiner Ziselierung, klassisch schön. |
| I Vini di Veronelli | 2018 | 2023 |
Vino Ottimo - 91/100 |
| WineSurf | 2017 | 2021 |
83 "Floral, lightly spiced, eucalyptus, balsamic, wildflowers, wood/oak still present, medium-bodied, fairly persistent, tannic, fine tannins, balanced." |
| Vini d'Italia - Gambero Rosso | 2017 | 2022 |
2 BICCHIERI ROSSI (6). Non così strutturato ma di rara finezza il fresco Barolo Castellero 17, dotato di suadenti note balsamiche e armonico in bocca. |
| Guida Vitae - AIS | 2017 | 2022 | |
| Wine Enthusiast | 2017 | June/July 2021 | 95 |
| Merum | 2017 | 2021 |
VINO MOLTO BUONO, DEL QUALE VORREI AVERE UNA PICCOLA SCORTA IN CANTINA |
| Wine Enthusiast | 2016 | 2020 | 93 PUNTI |
| Vinaria | 2016 | 2020 |
17,4. Helle Kirschnase, Capri-Zitronen, Himbeere, Leder, vielschichtiges Fruchtspiel, Granatapfel, Kirsche, Tabaknoten, kompakt, ziselierte Saftigkeit, Bitterschoko, viel Schoko-Kirsche, perfektes Tannin, endet mit rundem Fruchtschmelz, sehr lang im Finish. |
| Merum | 2016 | 2020 |
VINO BUONO, ANCHE SE NON ECCELLENTE AL MOMENTO DELLA DEGUSTAZIONE |
| Guida Vitae - AIS | 2016 | 2021 |
4 t' 3 t' rossi e 1 t' nero: Granato, si presenta in gran forma, con un bouquet sottile di sorprendente eleganza. Propone erbe e timo, radici, bacche, rose e pepe bianco; poi esce il frutto, rosso di melagrana, cilegia, fragolina e ribes. La finezza si ritrova al gusto, con un buon corpo e sviluppo puntuale, tannini rotondi e lunga chiusura. Un Castellero in forte ascesa, forse il migliore di sempre. In botte grande per 24 mesi. Carbonara. |
| Falstaff | 2016 | 2020 |
93 "Strahlendes Rubinrot. Eröffnet die Nase mit reifer Zitrusfrucht und Blutorange, dann nach Himbeere, zarter Minzeton rundet das Bukett ab. Zeigt sich am Gaumen mit kernig-saftigem Tannin, klarer Frucht und geschliffenem Verlauf, spannt einen schönen Fächer auf, harmonisches Finish. Tasting: Barolo-Barbaresco-Roero Tasting 2020; Verkostet von: Othmar Kiem, Simon Staffler Veröffentlicht am 22.10.2020 " |
| Guida Vini BIO | 2016 | 2021 | 5/5 Foglie |
| I Vini di Veronelli | 2017 | 2022 |
3 STELLE (90-93/100) . GIGI BROZZONI 91 |
| Vinaria | 2015 | 2019 |
15.4. Uppige Fruchtnase, Rumtopf, ausladendes Fruchtspiel, Schokokirsche, Zwetschke, opulent, breite Anlage, Waldlaubanklänge, mittlere Länge. |
| Vert de Vin | 2015 | 2022 |
17.5/20 (95/100) punti The nose is fruity, flesh, fleshy and offers finesse as well as racy minerality. It reveals notes of fleshy/ juicy blackberry, juicy plum and small notes of crunchy / juicy cherry associated with fine touches of raspeberry, blueberry as well as a hint of blueberry and licorice. The mouth is fresh, juicy, well-balanced, very discreetly tight and offers a beautiful acidolous frame, suave, a beautiful gourmandise, fleshiness as well as a beautiful definition. On the palate this wine expressses notes of fleshy/juicy red berries and small notes plum associated with fine touches of violet, lily as well as discreet hints of blond tobacco, licorice stick, chocolate and a very discreet hint of Bourboun vanilla (in the background). tannins are well-built and elegant. Beautiful persistence. There are discreet hints of fresh hazelnuts on the persistence. |
| I Vini di Veronelli | 2016 | 2021 | |
| Vini d'Italia - Gambero Rosso | 2016 | 2021 |
PTS 6: Come di consueto, più che convincente il resto della batteria. |
| Vini d'Italia - Gambero Rosso | 2015 | 2020 |
PTS 6 |
| Slow Wine | 2016 | 2021 |
Il meno complesso di tre Barolo da singolo cru, è misurato e scorrevole, morbido e beverino. |
| The Wine Advocate | 2016 | 2020 | 93 |
| Merum | 2016 | 5/20 Oktober/November 2020 | |
| Vinaria | 2016 | n°6.2020 |
17,4 : (Barolista) Helle Kirschnase, Capri-Zitronen, Himbeere, Leder, vielschichtiges Fruchtspiel, Granatapfel, Kirsche, Tabaknoten, kompakt, ziselierte Saftigkeit, Bitterschoko, viel Schoko-Kirsche, perfektes Tannin, endet mit rundem Fruchtschmelz, sehr lang im Finish. |
| Wine Enthusiast | 2016 | 2020 |
93 CELLAR SELECTION |
| Vert de Vin | 2016 | 2020 |
93-94 The nose is fruity, racy and offers a finesse of the grain and intensity. It reveals notes of red berries, small notes of local copse associated with touches of dry flowers, nutmeg and very fine hints of liquorice stick. The palate is fruity, fresh, mineral and offers a good definition, gourmandize and a fine acidulous frame. On the palate this wine expresses notes of juicy wild red berries, crunchy blackberry, small notes of violet associated with a hint of iris, crunchy blackberry, small notes of violet associated with a hint of iris, dry rose as well as discreet hints of sense of the place. |
| Guida Vini BIO | 2015 | 2019/2020 | |
| Jancis Robinson | 2011 | apr-15 |
17+/20 Mid garnet. Very savory nose reminiscent of meat and two veg. Direct appeal with marked acidity. Dry finish but this is a wine that grabs the palate and convinces it that a long futures lies ahead- 14,5% Drink 2019-2030 |
| Vinibuoni d’Italia | 2011 | 2016 | CORONA |
| Falstaff | 2015 | 2020 |
92 "Sehr helles, leuchtendes Rubinrot. In der Nase nach Leder und Tabak, zartes Grafit, reife Himbeeren. Am Gaumen frisch und zupackend mit eng gewobenem Tannin, öffnet sich mit festem Druck, langer Nachhall. Tasting: Barolo-Barbaresco-Roero; 22.11.2019 Verkostet von: Simon Staffler, Othmar Kierm https://www.falstaff.at/pd/w/brezza-2015-barolo-castellero-docg/" |
| I Vini di Veronelli | 2015 | 2020 | |
| Merum | 2015 | 2020 | |
| Vinibuoni d’Italia | 2015 | 2020 | |
| Wine Enthusiast | 2015 | 2020 | 94 |
| Vert de Vin | 2015 | Spring 2019 |
95/100 The nose is fruity, fresh, fleshy and offers finesse as well as racy minerality. It reveals notes of fleshy and juicy blackberries and plum and small notes of crunchy and juycy cherry associated with fine touches of raspberry, blueberry as well as a hing of licorice. The mouth is fresh, juicy, well-balanced, dicreetly tight and offers a beautiful acidulous frame with suavity and a beautiful gourmandise and fleshiness on an elegant definition. On the palate this wine expresses notes of fleshy, juicy red cherry and berries with small notes of plum associated with fine touches of violet and lily. Hints of blond tobacco, licorice stick and chocolate with, in the background, Bourbon Vanilla. Tannins are well-built and elegant. Beautiful persistence. There are dicreet hings of fresh hazelnut in the after-taste. |
| Guida ai migliori vini d'Italia | 2013 | 2019 |
95/100 If you are looking for a Barolo which doesn’t follow fashion and trends ask Brezza. Since 1885, a family who honored itself in the tradition and precision to express its terroir and its wine. Already well known in Barolo for their “crus” Cannubi and Sarmassa, they surprised us with this Barolo 2013 Castellero. A wine which smell of the tradition at its purest: under bush roses, wild strawberries and liquorice, tree bark, herbs and coffee. 2013 distinguished itself as a classical year in the palate and the wine represents its essence. Fresh and savory, with tannins nicely present for an elegant balance. A wine to open today or to have it rest in your cellar for posterity. |
| Falstaff | 2013 | 2017 |
90 "Leuchtendes Rubinrot mit leicht aufhellenden orangen Rändern. Vielschichtige und komplexe Nase mit Noten Iod und roten Johannisbeeren, ansprechend. Saftiger Eintritt am Gaumen, ist salzig und die Tannine sind weich, noch jung, hat Potenzial. Tasting: Traumweine aus dem Piemont; 24.11.2017 Verkostet von: Othmar Kiem, Simon Staffler https://www.falstaff.at/pd/w/azienda-agricola-brezza-giacomo-e-figli-2013-barolo-castellero-docg/ " |
| Merum | 2013 | 2018 | |
| Bibenda | 2013 | 2018 | |
| Bibenda | 2011 | 2016 | |
| Merum | 2010 | 2015 | |
| Merum | 2012 | 2017 | |
| Guida ai migliori vini d'Italia | 2011 | 2016 |
92 The wines of Brezza are classic wines in the noblest sense of the term. A term that is even more noble, then if the wines in question are Barolo. It is always very good the Sarmassa, but this year stands out the Castellero vineyard which has already reached a good balance. In the glass garnet color with ruby flashes. On the nose you have a spicy veil that immediately give way to floral notes of pink and purple geranium. Afterwards the fruit has a foreground of cherries and wild strawberries, with a note of licorice. Elegance for sale and long persistence of taste. |
| huon HOOKE | 2012 | 2016 |
90 SILVER RIBBON Awarded #105 of 266 2012 Nebbiolo: A bouquet of fresh earth, dried herbs and pot-pourri. Soft, mellow, forward palate, with gentle tannins and good depth; star anise flavours again. |
| Wine Enthusiast | 2012 | 2016 | 90 |
| Merum | 2011 | 2016 | |
| Vini d'Italia - le Guide de L'Espresso | 2005 | 2010 | |
| Jancis Robinson | 2013 | 2017 |
17/20 Very pale ruby. Herbal and a little closed with notes of chinotto. Same shyness on the palate, clearly in need of time to open up, but with a striking balance and fine, persistent sandy tannins. (WS) Drink 2018-2032 |
| I Vini di Veronelli | 1999 | 204 | |
| I Vini di Veronelli | 1999 | 2005 | |
| I Vini di Veronelli | 2005 | 2010 | |
| I Vini di Veronelli | 2005 | 2011 | |
| I Vini di Veronelli | 2005 | 2013 | |
| The Wine Advocate | 1999 | 2003 | 87 |
| The Wine Advocate | 2005 | 2009 | 91 |
| Slow Wine | 2010 | 2015 |
Vino slow And we also received the award "CHIOCCIOLA" for an all-around outstanding winery |
| Wine Enthusiast | 2010 | 2014 | 94 |
| Vinous | 2010 | 2014 | 92 |
| Enogea | 2010 | 2014 | 88 |