Barolo Riserva DOCG Sarmassa Vigna Bricco

Location: town of Barolo
Soil structure: clay-silt
Composition of soil: silt 43.2%, clay 30.5%, sand 26.3%
Trellising: Vertical canopy
Vineyard expansion: 0.4 ha
Pruning system: traditional Guyot
Exposure: South
Planting with: 1 m X 2.7 m.
Altitude: 250 m
Plant density: 3,700 plants per hectare
Varietal: Nebbiolo
Sub varietal: Lampia, Michet
Production: about 6,000-7,000 KG / ha
Rootstock clone: 420 A, K5BB
Year planted: 2000
Soil characteristics
In the sheltered valley of Sarmassa vineyard the area Bircco occupies a privileged position halfway up the hill facing south; in fact, according to the country’s elderly (and not only) is the place where the snow melts more quickly. Having the same MEGA (Additional Mention of the Geographic) as the Sarmassa but is a decision of the winemaker weather the Vigna Bricco is to be produced.
Production process
The winemaking process for the Bricco is similar to that of the Sarmassa with a difference in the duration of refining in the bottle, which is prolonged another 2 years. This Barolo though not produced every year will always go through its vinification and aging separately. Throughout its life in barrel it will undergo many blind tastings alongside the other cru’s. We will decide before bottling if this wine is enough to hold the name Vigna Bricco. This wine once placed in commercial circulation is already enjoyable with its complex ability and roundness of a great Barolo while maintaining the ability to evolve slowly and positively for many years to come.
Serving recommendations
“The Barolo wine is a dream, an evocation, a gift of the land and air of the Langa. A quite thought that restores the spirit and body.. Once there was. Nor is it known what it was. Honor and respect to those who had the good taste to transcend.” There are no better words than these, written by Massimo Martinelli in his book “The Barolo as I do” to describe what is Sarmassa Riserva Vigna Bricco.
| Guide | Vintage | Edition | Score |
|---|---|---|---|
| Guida Vitae - AIS | 2019 | 2026 |
95,5 "Boasts a splendid, open, and complex nose: an abundance of medicinal herbs and thyme, anise, mint, peach, dried leaves, and plenty of red fruits. On the palate, it exhibits great sweetness and depth of flavor, supported by fine, nuanced tannins. Pairing: Hare terrine with plum sauce." |
| Wine Enthusiast | 2019 | 2025 |
95 Cellar Selection |
| Kerin O’Keefe | 2019 | 2025 |
98 New leather, camphor, rose, truffle and tobacco are just some of the aromas you’ll find on the mesmerizing 2019 Sarmassa Vigna Bricco Riserva. Full-bodied and vibrant, the savory palate already has a great depth of flavors even at this primary stage that include raspberry compote, strawberry, orange zest, licorice and ground clove supported by a backbone of refined tannins. Bright acidity keeps it balanced and energized. A stunning wine that will continue to evolve for years. Abv: 14.5% Kerin O’Keefe January 2025 ©kerinokeefe.com |
| Wein plus | 2017 | 2023 | 91 |
| Sarah Heller MW | 2017 | 2023 |
95 "Brezza is a key player in Barolo, where its holdings are spread between several key MGAs. Its Vigna Bricco within Sarmassa is always isolated from the rest of the cru’s fruit, bottled separately when the vintage merits it. Though 2017 was notoriously challenging, the water-retentive marls have created a wine of extraordinary energy and complexity that beautifully reflects its protected, south-facing slope. Seductive raspberry fruit on the nose is carved with edges of hot tarmac, cardamom and truffle. A resinous front palate sparkles with pink peppercorn, styrax and frankincense, moving between steely, mineral and sharp note to amber tones that are heady and exotic, all over a base of delicately bitter red mulberry fruit. Acidity freshens and lifts; tannins, while displaying the blockiness of 2017, sit on the margins, giving the mid-palate the space to breathe. The finish is perfumed with orris root. Drinking Window 2026 - 2038" |
| Wine Enthusiast | 2017 | 2023 |
95 Forest floor, leather, camphor and dog rose aromas make their way to the forefront along with whiffs of tobacco. Full-bodied and showing a combination of power and finesse, the savory palate delivers dried cherry, anisette, black tea and flinty mineral accompanied by tightly woven, fine-grained tannins. Drink 2027–2037. Abv: 14.5% Kerin O’Keefe May 2023 ©kerinokeefe.com |
| Guida Vitae - AIS | 2017 | 2024 |
94 massimo riconoscimento delle QUATTRO VITI: Grande naso; profondità di bacche e radici, frutta carnosa a bacca rossa, fragole in confettura, ciliegia matura, poi via via si alleggerisce donando note più sobrie di fiori e frutti. Al gusto non molla: è rotondo, morbido, un piacere. Dal 2027. Coda alla vaccinara |
| Guida Vini BIO | 2017 | 2024 |
FOGLIA D'ORO (Massimo punteggio): Potpourri floreale, ciliegia sotto spirito, nuances d’arancia rossa impreziosite da polvere di cacao e timbri boisé. Sorso con tannino levigato, elegante, fresco e persistente. |
| Vinibuoni d’Italia | 2017 | 2024 | |
| Vini d'Italia - Gambero Rosso | 2017 | 2024 |
2/3 bicchieri rossi: Ottimo il Barolo Riserva Sarmassa Vigna Bricco 2017, dai profumi floreali, di frutta rossa, tabacco e spezie e dal palato ricco di frutto e sapido, con un’elegante trama tannica, di giusta tensione e dal lungo finale. |
| WineSurf | 2017 | 2023 |
83 Eucalipto, balsamico, erbe officinali, legno ancora presente, medio corpo, abbastanza persistente, tannini dolci, giustamente tannico, equilibrato. |
| Kerin O’Keefe | 2017 | 2023 |
95 Forest floor, leather, camphor and dog rose aromas make their way to the forefront along with whiffs of tobacco. Full-bodied and showing a combination of power and finesse, the savory palate delivers dried cherry, anisette, black tea and flinty mineral accompanied by tightly woven, fine-grained tannins. Drink 2027–2037. Abv: 14.5% Kerin O’Keefe May 2023 ©kerinokeefe.com |
| Untold | 2017 | 2023 |
/3 Cavatappi |
| Vinous | 2019 | Nov. 2022 |
95 Drinking Window: 2027 - 2044 Antonio Galloni, November 2022 The 2019 Barolo Riserva Sarmassa Vigna Bricco brings together all the elements that make these wines so appealing, namely the elegance of Cannubi and then structure of the Sarmassa. It's a combination that works so well. Crushed rose petal, mint, cinnamon, blood orange, kirsch and sage all lend notable complexity to this full-bodied, authoritative Barolo. The huge, building finish, with its alluring inner perfume, is a thing of real beauty. The Bricco bottling is a blend of south-facing parcels within Sarmassa. |
| Vinous | 2017 | 2023 |
95 Drinking Window: 2025 - 2042 Antonio Galloni, November 2022 The 2017 Barolo Riserva Sarmassa Vigna Bricco is fabulous. Best of all, it will be ready to drink with minimal cellaring. Kirsch, blood orange, spice, dried rose petal, mint and sweet red cherry all meld together in a Barolo that marries a classic sense of structure with the natural intensity of a drought vintage. This heady Barolo is wonderfully exotic, and a real pleasure to taste today. Impressive. |
| Merano Wine Hunter | 2016 | 2022 | Winehunter rosso |
| Doctor wine | 2016 | 2023 |
96 Rubino granato brillante e vivo. Austero, tradizionale e composta al naso, sentori di ribes, tabacco scuro e cenni mentolati molto nitidi. Sapore compatto e teso, salino, caldo ma agile, con tannini molto convincenti, bene integrati, fitti e molto classici. Ottima versione |
| Guida Vitae - AIS | 2016 | 2023 |
94,5 (4 Vite) Sarmassa abbagliante, dal naso ampio e ricercato di frutta rossa polposa e piccole spezie. Si fanno avanti indizi di sottobosco e fragole, lampone e ciliegia, menta, bacche, foglie secche, caffè e spunti torefatti. Al gusto si propoone con dolcezza e precisione, tannini sfumati e lungo sapore. Dal 2028. Manzo brasato con funghi |
| Guida Vini BIO | 2016 | 2023 |
FOGLIA D'ORO -Menzione speciale per i vini che si sono distinti per eleganza, qualità e specificità. Bouquet di ribes, mirtilli, Fiori secchi, cenni di erbe officinali, balsamico, liquirizia, anice stellato e delicate spezie. Sorso elegante, tannini vellutati, fresco e mentolato. |
| Vinibuoni d’Italia | 2016 | 2023 |
4 STELLE E CORRONA D'ORO |
| I Vini di Veronelli | 2016 | 2023 |
94/100 - 3 stelle oro |
| Guida Vini BIO | 2015 | 2022 | FOGLIA D'ORO |
| Guida Vitae - AIS | 2011 | 2022 | |
| Guida Vitae - AIS | 2015 | 2022 |
94 PUNTI. L'APPARENTE SEMPLICITA' DEI GRANDI. PIGRO IN AVVIO, ASSESTA POI UN NASO DI SUPERBA ESPRESSIONE , FATTO DI SPEZIE FINI FIORI PASSITI E PICCOLI FRUTTI: VIOLA E ROSA, FRGOLINA E CILIEGIA, RADICE DI LIQUIRIZIA E PEPE BIANCO; UN BOUQUET DI DETTAGLI E MISURE A CUI RISPONDONO FRESCHEZZA, PRECISIONE E SUCCOSITA'. TOURNEDOS ALLA ROSSINI |
| Falstaff | 2015 | 2022 |
93 punti Leuchtend-strahlendes Rubinrot. In der Nase zunächst etwas reduktiv-vegetal, öffnet sich dann auf schönen Nuancen von Walderdbeeren, Himbeeren und grünem Pfeffer. Am Gaumen saftig, mit eng gewobenem Tannin, zeigt Finesse und Druck, kommt langsam und in vielen Schichten, soll und darf noch reifen. |
| I Vini di Veronelli | 2015 | 2022 |
94/100. 3 stelle d'oro |
| Doctor wine | 2015 | 2022 | 96 PUNTI |
| Vini d'Italia - Gambero Rosso | 2015 | 2022 |
3 bicchieri rossi: Intenso e vivo già nel colore, il Sarmassa Vigna Bricco Riserva 2015 si apre su bellisime note di tabacco e liquirizia cui si uniscono poi lampone e anice, creando una magnifica personalità ricca di carattere; la bocca è ampia e armonica, con tannini eleganti e pregevole fittezza della trama vellutata. |
| I Vini di Veronelli | 2015 | 2022 |
3 stelle d'oro (94-100); GIGI BROZZONI 94 punti |
| Falstaff | 2015 | 2022 | 93 punti |
| Bibenda | 2015 | 2022 | |
| Vinaria | 2013 | 2019 |
16,6. Blütenduftige Fruchtnase, betörende Rotbeeraromatik, Maulbeere, Brombeere, würzig, ausgewogen, weitmaschiges Tannin, gute Substanz, cremig im Nach-hall, gediegen. |
| Decanter | 2013 | 2019_How to have an Italian Christmas |
The Sarmassa vineyard lies just across the top road into Barolo from its more famous neighbour Cannubi, and Enzo Brezza’s Vigna del Bricco Riserva comes from the finest, south-facing slopes of this cru. 2013 was a lovely vintage in Barolo: a cooler summer leading to wines of exceptional aromatic profile and understated structure. Just 2,500 bottles of this elegant, Burgundian-style interpretation were produced. Drinking Window 2022 - 2035 |
| WinesCritic.com | 2015 | 2021 |
91 Floreale e ben disteso al naso rivela complessità nella gentilezza d’animo fatta di note di arancia rossa, melagrana, buccia di mandarino arsa, foglie bagnate e pepe nero. la liquirizia in stecca arricchisce il profilo secondario. Corpo medio-pieno, tannini soffici poco estratti ed un finale di media persistenza. Meglio dal 2021. |
| Vini d'Italia - Gambero Rosso | 2013 | 2020 |
2 Bicchieri Rossi, PTS 8: C'è la stoffa del grande vino nel Barolo Sarmassa Vigna Bricco Riserva '13, classicissimo nel suo profilo fine di fiori secchi, pepe o olive nere. Parte piano e chiude lunghissimo in crescendo, ha un brillante potenziale davanti a sé. |
| Jancis Robinson | 2001 | feb-12 |
18/20 Barolo. Poured from magnum. Youthfull, compact and reluctant but with a hugely concentrated fruit palate and without being heavy or rustic. (WS). Drink 2008-2024 14,5% |
| Jancis Robinson | 2009 | 2013 |
17/20 Comune of Barolo, Palish ruby with watery orange-tinged rim.Copact and a little closed on the nose. Fluid and supple on the palate, with a good dose of crunchy and lasting tannins on the finish. Competently made and quite complex and elegant (WS). Drink: 2016-2032 |
| Falstaff | 2001 | 2006 |
88 "Leuchtendes Rubingranat; fein ausgeprägte Nase, leicht nach eingelegten Pfirsichen, etwas Rosenblätter; am Gaumen straffes Tannin mit süßem Kern, kein Schwergewicht, eher auf Eleganz aufgebaut, sehr saftig, im Finale anhaltend. Tasting: Barolo: Klassisches Piemont in Bestform; 05.11.2005 Verkostet von: Othmar Kiem https://www.falstaff.at/pd/w/azienda-agricola-brezza-giacomo-e-figli-2001-barolo-bricco-sarmassa/ " |
| Falstaff | 2008 | 2013 |
94 "Sattes, leuchtendes Rubin mit Granatschimmer. Intensive und dichte Nase, Tasting: Piemont: Barbaresco, Barolo, Roero – Der nächste Streich; 22.11.2012 Verkostet von: Othmar Kiem https://www.falstaff.at/pd/w/azienda-agricola-brezza-giacomo-e-figli-2008-barolo-bricco-sarmassa/ " |
| Falstaff | 2013 | 2020 |
94 "Leuchtendes Rubin mit viel Granat. Fein gezeichnete Nase mit Noten von Rosen und Erdbeeren, saftige Kirsche dazu. Griffiges, stoffiges Tannin, breitet sich schön aus, gute Spannung, im Finale fest. Tasting: Barolo-Barbaresco-Roero; 22.11.2019 Verkostet von: Simon Staffler, Othmar Kierm https://www.falstaff.at/pd/w/brezza-2013-barolo-riserva-sarmassa-vigna-bricco-docg/" |
| I Vini di Veronelli | 2013 | 2020 |
94 Three Super Stars |
| Merum | 2013 | 2020 | |
| Bibenda | 2013 | 2020 | |
| Vinibuoni d’Italia | 2013 | 2020 | |
| Vert de Vin | 2013 | Spring 2019 |
93-94/100 The nose is fruity and offers precision, straightness as well as a fine concentration. It reveals notes of fleshy blackberries, ripe wild strawberries and small notes of Quetsche plum associated with toasted touches and chocolate with hints of blond tobacco. The palate is fresh, mineral, fruity, well-balanced, racy and offers a good definitiona on an acidulous frame. Finesse on a beautifull structure. On the palate this wine expresses juicy acidulous wild raspberry associated with fresh Quetche plum and berries as well as hints of tobacco, chocolate, almond and on the finish a very dicreet hint of zan. Tannins are well-built, fine and elegant. Good length. There is a very dicreeet hint of saliity on the after-taste. |
| Vini d'Italia - Gambero Rosso | 2011 | 2018 | |
| Falstaff | 2011 | 2017 |
91 "Leuchtendes Rubin-Granat. Vielschichtige, spannende Nase, eröffnet mit Noten nach Kardamom und Veilchen, dann sehr feine Kirsche und Erdbeere, ausgewogen. Am Gaumen dann leider recht harsche, trocknende Tannine, fällt im hinteren Bereich recht spröde aus. 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-2011-barolo-riserva-sarmassa-vigna-bricco-docg/ " |
| Wine Enthusiast | 2011 | 2017 | 93 |
| Merum | 2011 | 2018 | |
| Bibenda | 2011 | 2018 | |
| Bibenda | 2011 | 2017 |
88 - 89.9/100 Per l'alta qualità grazie a: corpositò, bouquet, lunghezza, eleganza, piacevolezza e armonia in tutti i suoi componenti. |
| Bibenda | 2008 | 2013 | |
| Bibenda | 2007 | 2012 | |
| I Vini di Veronelli | 1999 | 2004 | |
| I Vini di Veronelli | 1999/2000 | 2005 | |
| I Vini di Veronelli | 2001 | 2006 | |
| I Vini di Veronelli | 2004 | 2010 | |
| I Vini di Veronelli | 2004/2006 | 2011 | |
| I Vini di Veronelli | 2007 | 2012 | |
| I Vini di Veronelli | 2008 | 2013 | |
| Vini d'Italia - le Guide de L'Espresso | 1999 | 2004 | |
| Vini d'Italia - le Guide de L'Espresso | 2001 | 2006 | |
| Vini d'Italia - le Guide de L'Espresso | 2004 | 2009 | |
| Vini d'Italia - le Guide de L'Espresso | 2006 | 2011 | |
| Vini d'Italia - le Guide de L'Espresso | 2007 | 2012 | Vini dell'Eccellenza |
| Vini d'Italia - le Guide de L'Espresso | 2008 | 2013 | |
| Vini d'Italia - le Guide de L'Espresso | 2009 | 2014 | Vini dell'Eccellenza |
| Vini d'Italia - Gambero Rosso | 1997 | 2002 | |
| Vini d'Italia - Gambero Rosso | 1999 | 2004 | |
| Vini d'Italia - Gambero Rosso | 2006 | 2006 | |
| Vini d'Italia - Gambero Rosso | 2009 | 2004 | |
| Vini d'Italia - Gambero Rosso | 2006 | 2011 | |
| Vini d'Italia - Gambero Rosso | 2007 | 2012 | |
| Vini d'Italia - Gambero Rosso | 2008 | 2013 | |
| The Wine Advocate | 1999 | 2003 | 91 |
| The Wine Advocate | 1999 | 2005 | 91 |
| The Wine Advocate | 2004 | 2008 | 92 |
| The Wine Advocate | 2007 | 2011 | 94 |
| The Wine Advocate | 2008 | 2012 | 95 |
| The Wine Advocate | 2009 | 2013 |
94 The 2009 Barolo Bricco Sarmassa takes the Nebbiolo experience to dazzling heights. The power and heft of the wine is immediately apparent and the wine fills the palate, front to back. It is a wine of fascinating juxtapositions. At one moment it feels astringent, the next it fells silky and long. The aromas are floral, then savory, then spicy in what is a constantly shifting and evolving aromatic presentation. I'd love to revisit this wine in 10 or 15 years. Anticipated maturity: 2016-2040 |
| Annuario dei migliori vini italiani | 1999 | 2004 | 79 |
| Bibenda | 2006 | 2011 | |
| Duemilavini – Bibenda | 2008 | 2013 | |
| Merum | 1999 | 2003 | |
| Merum | 2001 | 2005 | |
| Merum | 2009 | 2014 | |
| Decanter | 2004 | 2009 |
Highly recommended |
| Falstaff | 1999 | 5 Sept. / Okt 2003 | 89 |
| Vinforum | 2001 | Ottobre 2005 | fra i Top 15 |
| Vinum | 2001 | 2005 |
16 Frische Fruchtaromatik, auch Pilz- und Roestaromen; kompakter Bau mit gut eingebundener Saeure, im Finale Noten suesser Kirschen. In Kleinstauflage gekeltert. |
| Wine Enthusiast | 2009 | 2014 | 92 |
| Annuario dei migliori vini italiani | 1998 | 2003 | |
| Duemilavini – Bibenda | 2001 | 2005 | 90 |
| Duemilavini – Bibenda | 1999 | 2004 | |
| Bibenda | 2001 | 2006 | |
| Guida ai migliori vini d'Italia | 2007 | 2012 |
