Burzi, Alberto
May 2025
I have been fortunate to have started visiting Alberto Burzi almost from his start. He had yet to bottle a Barolo when I first met him, a very ambitious, if humble sommelier turned winemaker showing off exceptional Barbera. He was fortunate that his family had vineyards with which to start, but since those humble beginnings, aided by his exceptional able sister Caterina, the Burzi name has grown in importance in the region. Both for the quality of their wines, but also for their style, youthful approach, and willingness to take risks.
It’s still a small operation, family run, but growing slowly and yet in significant ways. A trio of Barolos now grace the line-up, a line-up that shows impressive unity of style and certainly a commitment to remain true to each wine’s origin.
Having said that I would also add that Burzi was one of my introductions to what I would call the third way. The split between the so-called modernist and traditionalist left an opening for a renaissance in Piedmonte. Producers were free to pull the best of each style and that has culminated in this third way. Wines that are terroir driven, adhere to more traditional winemaking philosophies, but at the same time focus on freshness and the preservation of fruitiness, two aspects of Barolo that were often secondary to more traditional producers. I think what has really happened has been a coming together of climate change, innovative, an exceptionally well adapted viticultural adaptations, and a willingness to be more flexible with winemaking technique, traditional and not.
So that brings us back to Burzi. The wines here are fresh, slightly more on the easy drinking side, slightly more fruit driven that average, yet that fruitiness is tightly bound to each vineyard’s terroir. A winemaker to be on the lookout for. While the entire line-up is quite fine I would definitely be grabbing his Langhe Nebbiolo and Barolo Capalot.
2023 Alberto Burzi Barbera D’alba Plaustra 13.5%
A week on the skins than aged in concrete
A slight hamminess to the nose here, almost fruit forward, rather savory and with a cedary, woodsy underlayment. Black cherry, green citrus rind hint, black cherry hint of thyme, Very fresh in the mouth, lots of breadth on the palate but with an airiness to it. There’s a hint of cocoa on the midplate accenting the mineral laced, dark cherry fruit, very dry, the fruit does not have a sweetness to it. Good acidity, definitely important but generally well integrated through the long, succulent finish. Black cherry skin fruitiness, good tension, remarkable freshness and fine energy here. Delicious and intellectual. 93pts
2023 Alberto Burzi Langhe Nebbiolo Ronceaja 14%
Pied de cuve, Sponti, shorter time on the skin
450 meter asl, east facing, stopped selling grapes to Silvio Grasso in 2022
Red fruity del bosco nose again shows a little hamminess, fruit forwardness, a touch of spice, almost a little cinnamon scent, Loads of fruit on entry, a bigger style of Langhe Nebbiolo, great tension and transparency with a huge mineral note joining the red berry fruit on the palate, the fruit gains citrus accents of lighter red, gauzy fruit throughout the long finish, tannins are succulent, rich yet ripe, has graceful power with superb intensity to the fresh fruit flavors through the long finish. Killer Langhe Nebbiolo. This echoes on the palate forever. 94pts
2021 Alberto Burzi Barolo 14.5%
30 days on skins for Barolo with regular pump overs and aging in 60hl botte followed by one year in concrete
70% Roncaglie, Rive e Caplalot 15% each
Fruity on the nose with a hint of exoticism, maybe jujubes, blueberry, blackberry, some menthol on the front palate, then this is elegant, almost plush, rich with fruit but not fruity, deep and powerful on the madpalate, noble tannins, long finish is very structural, burnished cherry fruit, a touch of chewiness on the palate, great flavor profile with this dusty, mineral laced wash across the back palate and through the finish. Classic. 93pts
2021 Alberto Burzi Barolo Capalot 14.5%
40 days on the skins with submerged cap, 30hl botte
Tea leaves, rooibos, limestone, nettle, red fruit, heathery, a hint of pepperiness, white pepper, really tight wine, good depth of limestone, a bit tarry, so closed, but this has good balance, ripe tannins and integrated acidity, decent length. It’s all here, well balanced and complete but so tight. Chewyish, there’s lovely inherent balance to this, though it remains a bit inscrutable. 91-93pts but it’s just a guess.
2021 Alberto Burzi Barolo La Serra
40 days on skins, 20hl cask,
Planted in 2013
More rocks int he soil here.
Cool, woodsy nose, petrichor, with a strong dried herb, dried herb stem base, leaner and angular, tart cherry perfumes, almost open, this is still quite reticent, less tannic, but the tannins are dry and firm, bright acidity, mouthwatering, lots of barely ripe strawberry and raspberry fruit, lovely fruitiness, a bit of a gossamer character here, lovely savory finish shows good length, very La Serra, has that less ripe, less fertile soil character, more delicate fruit and more savory character. 92pts
2020 Alberto Burzi Barolo Capalot 15%
Opens with a gentle white floral character, walking through a meadow, fine red fruit, cherry, lingonberry, some fine clay soil notes, good definition and detail, bright, vibrant, lots of fruit, red fruit, pure perfectly ripe red berry fruit, sandy tannins, slight strawberry jam notes emerge on the nose, delicious, very Nebbiolo driven everything in balance, sure its tannic but it’s already enjoyable, good length, just a gorgeous expression of nebbiolo in Barolo. Tannins are ripe, acids are juicy, very complete. 94pts
2020 Alberto Burzi Barolo La Serra 15%
Less than half hectare, 2500 bottles
Nuanced smoky notes greet the nose followed by lots of tea, dried herb, faint macchia, preserved lemon, mandarin, rose petal, A little lipstick, lighter on the palate, very expressive, supple tannins that turn a bit dry on the end, lots of acidic brightness, transparent and detailed, lots of structural presence on the finish, good rooibos and lingonberry fruit on the finish, finishes with hints of licorice and tar. 92pts
April 2024
2022 Alberto Burzi Barbera d’Alba Plaustra
Recently bottled in November
7 days on the skin and concrete for aging
Switching to a system with three spurs, two shoots each, for a total of six bunches instead of guyot, helps to make the plant work faster the fruit is ready a bit sooner,
A hint of animal, deep, dark, slightly reductive, black plum, coal, anise seed, violet extract, Super silky in the mouth, acid driven but with enough flesh to lend this a gentle edge, though far from round. All mineral laced, Long, laser focused finish shows more mineral a touch of a stewy cherry note on the backend, no real tannin, mouth cleansing, lovely cherry fruit, shows a hint of warmth on the finish, red fruit, salted plum accents, gains a wild cherry torte fruit note with air, juicy, 90pts
2022 Alberto Burzi Langhe Nebbiolo Ronceaja
Bottled in September, mix of home vineyard planted in 2018 and Rochettevino
Woodsy and sweet on the nose with a slightly exotic fruit character, pomegranate and citrus influenced, shows fine dusty soil tone with some dried herb, dried leaf accents, A bit towards the serious side, though this shows off beautiful fruit on the midpalate with quite some structure, good acid lift, lots of depth here and inner mouth perfumes, terrific follow through where that slightly exotic fruit accent note really drives the finish, depth and nuance on the midpalate, very fine classic rendition, Quite powerful little wine. I don’t want to say baby Barolo but this has a lot going on. 93pts.
2020 Alberto Burzi Barolo Classico
Gorgeous aromatics, so red fruited, a hint of strawberry rhubarb, some jellied cranberry accents, pollen floral notes and some grey clay hints. Gains florally with air and a little braised fennel. So elegant and fine n entry, with a crispness and transparency, fine grained tannins, relaxed, nuanced with emerging licorice tones, tannins are well integrated if a touch austere, delicate wine with a very pretty character, transparency, a lovely wine in a smaller scale but very complete. Long with a growing sense of sweetness to the fruit, cherry skin sweetness, decidedly structured. 92pts
2020 Alberto Burzi Barolo Capalot
So charming, fine small ripe red fruits, floral base notes, just kind of explosive with extract of iris, superb aromatics, Lots of weight on entry, this is such a step up from he Classico, rich, suave wine with great minerality, salty sandy tones, great old vine depth, absolutely delicious so much fresh red fruits, red current, strawberry, pollen flowers, hint of almond shell, good length, a vibrant wine, succulent, So seductive, just a lovely texture and layered complexity backed up by terrific vibrant fruit. 94pts
2020 Alberto Burzi Barolo La Serra
A little bubble gum, sticks and stones, dried lemon peel, unripe strawberry, definitely grapefruit and blood orange notes. Elegant and refined in the mouth, so subtle and nuanced, without context this would be over looked but this is La Serra. Willowy tannins, bright acids, a touch of sandiness, good density on the palate, just lovely if you’re looking for a classic expression, more savory than fruity, but complex, and balanced, and so true to terroir, this is a nod to Barolo of the 1990s and before, Delicious and so dynamic in the mouth. It’s not a fruity wine, complexity and finesse are the keys here. 93pts
I have been fortunate to have started visiting Alberto Burzi almost from his start. He had yet to bottle a Barolo when I first met him, a very ambitious, if humble sommelier turned winemaker showing off exceptional Barbera. He was fortunate that his family had vineyards with which to start, but since those humble beginnings, aided by his exceptional able sister Caterina, the Burzi name has grown in importance in the region. Both for the quality of their wines, but also for their style, youthful approach, and willingness to take risks.
It’s still a small operation, family run, but growing slowly and yet in significant ways. A trio of Barolos now grace the line-up, a line-up that shows impressive unity of style and certainly a commitment to remain true to each wine’s origin.
Having said that I would also add that Burzi was one of my introductions to what I would call the third way. The split between the so-called modernist and traditionalist left an opening for a renaissance in Piedmonte. Producers were free to pull the best of each style and that has culminated in this third way. Wines that are terroir driven, adhere to more traditional winemaking philosophies, but at the same time focus on freshness and the preservation of fruitiness, two aspects of Barolo that were often secondary to more traditional producers. I think what has really happened has been a coming together of climate change, innovative, an exceptionally well adapted viticultural adaptations, and a willingness to be more flexible with winemaking technique, traditional and not.
So that brings us back to Burzi. The wines here are fresh, slightly more on the easy drinking side, slightly more fruit driven that average, yet that fruitiness is tightly bound to each vineyard’s terroir. A winemaker to be on the lookout for. While the entire line-up is quite fine I would definitely be grabbing his Langhe Nebbiolo and Barolo Capalot.
2023 Alberto Burzi Barbera D’alba Plaustra 13.5%
A week on the skins than aged in concrete
A slight hamminess to the nose here, almost fruit forward, rather savory and with a cedary, woodsy underlayment. Black cherry, green citrus rind hint, black cherry hint of thyme, Very fresh in the mouth, lots of breadth on the palate but with an airiness to it. There’s a hint of cocoa on the midplate accenting the mineral laced, dark cherry fruit, very dry, the fruit does not have a sweetness to it. Good acidity, definitely important but generally well integrated through the long, succulent finish. Black cherry skin fruitiness, good tension, remarkable freshness and fine energy here. Delicious and intellectual. 93pts
2023 Alberto Burzi Langhe Nebbiolo Ronceaja 14%
Pied de cuve, Sponti, shorter time on the skin
450 meter asl, east facing, stopped selling grapes to Silvio Grasso in 2022
Red fruity del bosco nose again shows a little hamminess, fruit forwardness, a touch of spice, almost a little cinnamon scent, Loads of fruit on entry, a bigger style of Langhe Nebbiolo, great tension and transparency with a huge mineral note joining the red berry fruit on the palate, the fruit gains citrus accents of lighter red, gauzy fruit throughout the long finish, tannins are succulent, rich yet ripe, has graceful power with superb intensity to the fresh fruit flavors through the long finish. Killer Langhe Nebbiolo. This echoes on the palate forever. 94pts
2021 Alberto Burzi Barolo 14.5%
30 days on skins for Barolo with regular pump overs and aging in 60hl botte followed by one year in concrete
70% Roncaglie, Rive e Caplalot 15% each
Fruity on the nose with a hint of exoticism, maybe jujubes, blueberry, blackberry, some menthol on the front palate, then this is elegant, almost plush, rich with fruit but not fruity, deep and powerful on the madpalate, noble tannins, long finish is very structural, burnished cherry fruit, a touch of chewiness on the palate, great flavor profile with this dusty, mineral laced wash across the back palate and through the finish. Classic. 93pts
2021 Alberto Burzi Barolo Capalot 14.5%
40 days on the skins with submerged cap, 30hl botte
Tea leaves, rooibos, limestone, nettle, red fruit, heathery, a hint of pepperiness, white pepper, really tight wine, good depth of limestone, a bit tarry, so closed, but this has good balance, ripe tannins and integrated acidity, decent length. It’s all here, well balanced and complete but so tight. Chewyish, there’s lovely inherent balance to this, though it remains a bit inscrutable. 91-93pts but it’s just a guess.
2021 Alberto Burzi Barolo La Serra
40 days on skins, 20hl cask,
Planted in 2013
More rocks int he soil here.
Cool, woodsy nose, petrichor, with a strong dried herb, dried herb stem base, leaner and angular, tart cherry perfumes, almost open, this is still quite reticent, less tannic, but the tannins are dry and firm, bright acidity, mouthwatering, lots of barely ripe strawberry and raspberry fruit, lovely fruitiness, a bit of a gossamer character here, lovely savory finish shows good length, very La Serra, has that less ripe, less fertile soil character, more delicate fruit and more savory character. 92pts
2020 Alberto Burzi Barolo Capalot 15%
Opens with a gentle white floral character, walking through a meadow, fine red fruit, cherry, lingonberry, some fine clay soil notes, good definition and detail, bright, vibrant, lots of fruit, red fruit, pure perfectly ripe red berry fruit, sandy tannins, slight strawberry jam notes emerge on the nose, delicious, very Nebbiolo driven everything in balance, sure its tannic but it’s already enjoyable, good length, just a gorgeous expression of nebbiolo in Barolo. Tannins are ripe, acids are juicy, very complete. 94pts
2020 Alberto Burzi Barolo La Serra 15%
Less than half hectare, 2500 bottles
Nuanced smoky notes greet the nose followed by lots of tea, dried herb, faint macchia, preserved lemon, mandarin, rose petal, A little lipstick, lighter on the palate, very expressive, supple tannins that turn a bit dry on the end, lots of acidic brightness, transparent and detailed, lots of structural presence on the finish, good rooibos and lingonberry fruit on the finish, finishes with hints of licorice and tar. 92pts
April 2024
2022 Alberto Burzi Barbera d’Alba Plaustra
Recently bottled in November
7 days on the skin and concrete for aging
Switching to a system with three spurs, two shoots each, for a total of six bunches instead of guyot, helps to make the plant work faster the fruit is ready a bit sooner,
A hint of animal, deep, dark, slightly reductive, black plum, coal, anise seed, violet extract, Super silky in the mouth, acid driven but with enough flesh to lend this a gentle edge, though far from round. All mineral laced, Long, laser focused finish shows more mineral a touch of a stewy cherry note on the backend, no real tannin, mouth cleansing, lovely cherry fruit, shows a hint of warmth on the finish, red fruit, salted plum accents, gains a wild cherry torte fruit note with air, juicy, 90pts
2022 Alberto Burzi Langhe Nebbiolo Ronceaja
Bottled in September, mix of home vineyard planted in 2018 and Rochettevino
Woodsy and sweet on the nose with a slightly exotic fruit character, pomegranate and citrus influenced, shows fine dusty soil tone with some dried herb, dried leaf accents, A bit towards the serious side, though this shows off beautiful fruit on the midpalate with quite some structure, good acid lift, lots of depth here and inner mouth perfumes, terrific follow through where that slightly exotic fruit accent note really drives the finish, depth and nuance on the midpalate, very fine classic rendition, Quite powerful little wine. I don’t want to say baby Barolo but this has a lot going on. 93pts.
2020 Alberto Burzi Barolo Classico
Gorgeous aromatics, so red fruited, a hint of strawberry rhubarb, some jellied cranberry accents, pollen floral notes and some grey clay hints. Gains florally with air and a little braised fennel. So elegant and fine n entry, with a crispness and transparency, fine grained tannins, relaxed, nuanced with emerging licorice tones, tannins are well integrated if a touch austere, delicate wine with a very pretty character, transparency, a lovely wine in a smaller scale but very complete. Long with a growing sense of sweetness to the fruit, cherry skin sweetness, decidedly structured. 92pts
2020 Alberto Burzi Barolo Capalot
So charming, fine small ripe red fruits, floral base notes, just kind of explosive with extract of iris, superb aromatics, Lots of weight on entry, this is such a step up from he Classico, rich, suave wine with great minerality, salty sandy tones, great old vine depth, absolutely delicious so much fresh red fruits, red current, strawberry, pollen flowers, hint of almond shell, good length, a vibrant wine, succulent, So seductive, just a lovely texture and layered complexity backed up by terrific vibrant fruit. 94pts
2020 Alberto Burzi Barolo La Serra
A little bubble gum, sticks and stones, dried lemon peel, unripe strawberry, definitely grapefruit and blood orange notes. Elegant and refined in the mouth, so subtle and nuanced, without context this would be over looked but this is La Serra. Willowy tannins, bright acids, a touch of sandiness, good density on the palate, just lovely if you’re looking for a classic expression, more savory than fruity, but complex, and balanced, and so true to terroir, this is a nod to Barolo of the 1990s and before, Delicious and so dynamic in the mouth. It’s not a fruity wine, complexity and finesse are the keys here. 93pts
April 2023 visit
Alberto Burzi
2022 Burzi Red Wine 13%
Dolcetto 50% carbonic whole bunch, 50% crushed fruit
Raisin, dried cherry, lots of violet, crushed raspberry fruit, pretty explosive, very high toned. Has an impressive amount of fruit skin tannin, tons of Dolcetto character, classic, a lovely feel, just a joyous wine, floral, fruity of course but not vulgar. 89pts
2021 Burzi Barbera d’Alba
Decided to change the pruning to albarello, from guyot, first vineyard with high density, 8000 plants per hectare
7 day maceration, 15 degrees first 2-3 degrees, then up to 25, only concrete
Slow to open, smoky, a bit of grilled meat, deep, very fine, slight ivy, very pure and precise cut plum fruits, almost blackberry. Very clear on the palate, acid is a bit integrated, almost supple, with air the perfumes emerge nicely, rather pronounced floral and perfumed, the palate shows great cut and length, is built on more on soil than fruit, long, with a return of black cherry fruit on the finish. Rather restrained and elegant. It’s a really distinctive wine. Refined, elegant and nuanced Barbera with sneaky length and a minty top note. 91pts
2021 Burzi Langhe Nebbiolo Runcaja
6-7 days maceration in a steel, 6 months in wood, concrete
A part of young vines Roncaglie, Rocchettevino, plus with 2022 the new vineyard planted behind the house
A very classic nose, minty, white soil, white flowers, smells salty, supple, rounded easy to drink, good depth, lovely tannins present but sweet, long, gently fruit, a hint of woodlands spice to the cherry fruit, starts out tart and moves towards a riper finale. Shows a little power behind it, the power of the vintage, good freshness but also good maturity. Smells complex and sophisticated for Langhe Nebbiolo, long. 91pts
2018 Burzi Barolo
Lovely nose, already showing a bit of tertiary character, spiced cherry, inviting nose, tobacco, gentle wild spice. Open knit, a touch of nuttiness early on the palate, lacks depth but is lovely in an easy, early drinking way. Tannins are dusty and drive the finish, already mature if still tannic with lots of complexity, slightly noticeable alcohol, and a bright character, cherries in alcohol on the palate. Spicy sour cherry fruit and stone on the nose. 88pts
2019 Burzi Barolo
35 days on the skin, submerged, 60hl not toasted
Cherry, black cherry, pure and precise fruit, a bit of moist earth, tar and roses and licorice. Just a textbook Barolo nose. Supple, rich, with excellent tannin ripeness and acidity, bright faceted, just gorgeous combination of energy, stone, very faint herb and lovely citrus laced raspberry fruit. Has a suppleness to it, a roundness with wild herbs and flowers inner mouth perfumes with some air. Has finesse written all over it, with impressive length. 93pts
2019 Burzi Barolo La Serra
Bottled in march last year, planted 2014, first vintage
40 days maceration, in concrete tanks with a curve, a18 months in oak,
20hl sized barrel for the vineyard size so smaller barrel less time
Lightly aromatic, less fruit, wild blueberry, thyme, coffee, wild cherry, light on the palate, willowy, lean but elegant, there’s a delicacy here, and a leanness to the tannins, a bit of tea base notes, very la Serra, higher altitude cooler climate wine, has some tart red fruit and strawberry, lots of rose petal emerging now, just delicate and nuanced. Tannins are not packed but firm and dry. 91pts
2019 Burzi Capalot Vecchie Viti
Peony, darker fruit, dried herbs, dried strawberry, bricky clay, almost a little peppery herb, arugula like. Smells a touch candied, very complex, rich and nuanced. Sweet and bright just lovely cut and juiciness here, depth and elegance with such fabulous intensity and purity of fruit a little candied blackberry wrapped around a core of cherry fruit, ripe tannins are abundant, but firm if ripe, power without weight, so much acid but not out of balance, cherry lifesaver note on nose, man this closes down quickly. 94pts
By rolling the tops you use older leaves which produce less sugar, and respire at a slower rate, which reduces the water uptake and the potassium uptake which lowers the acidity.
Alberto Burzi
2022 Burzi Red Wine 13%
Dolcetto 50% carbonic whole bunch, 50% crushed fruit
Raisin, dried cherry, lots of violet, crushed raspberry fruit, pretty explosive, very high toned. Has an impressive amount of fruit skin tannin, tons of Dolcetto character, classic, a lovely feel, just a joyous wine, floral, fruity of course but not vulgar. 89pts
2021 Burzi Barbera d’Alba
Decided to change the pruning to albarello, from guyot, first vineyard with high density, 8000 plants per hectare
7 day maceration, 15 degrees first 2-3 degrees, then up to 25, only concrete
Slow to open, smoky, a bit of grilled meat, deep, very fine, slight ivy, very pure and precise cut plum fruits, almost blackberry. Very clear on the palate, acid is a bit integrated, almost supple, with air the perfumes emerge nicely, rather pronounced floral and perfumed, the palate shows great cut and length, is built on more on soil than fruit, long, with a return of black cherry fruit on the finish. Rather restrained and elegant. It’s a really distinctive wine. Refined, elegant and nuanced Barbera with sneaky length and a minty top note. 91pts
2021 Burzi Langhe Nebbiolo Runcaja
6-7 days maceration in a steel, 6 months in wood, concrete
A part of young vines Roncaglie, Rocchettevino, plus with 2022 the new vineyard planted behind the house
A very classic nose, minty, white soil, white flowers, smells salty, supple, rounded easy to drink, good depth, lovely tannins present but sweet, long, gently fruit, a hint of woodlands spice to the cherry fruit, starts out tart and moves towards a riper finale. Shows a little power behind it, the power of the vintage, good freshness but also good maturity. Smells complex and sophisticated for Langhe Nebbiolo, long. 91pts
2018 Burzi Barolo
Lovely nose, already showing a bit of tertiary character, spiced cherry, inviting nose, tobacco, gentle wild spice. Open knit, a touch of nuttiness early on the palate, lacks depth but is lovely in an easy, early drinking way. Tannins are dusty and drive the finish, already mature if still tannic with lots of complexity, slightly noticeable alcohol, and a bright character, cherries in alcohol on the palate. Spicy sour cherry fruit and stone on the nose. 88pts
2019 Burzi Barolo
35 days on the skin, submerged, 60hl not toasted
Cherry, black cherry, pure and precise fruit, a bit of moist earth, tar and roses and licorice. Just a textbook Barolo nose. Supple, rich, with excellent tannin ripeness and acidity, bright faceted, just gorgeous combination of energy, stone, very faint herb and lovely citrus laced raspberry fruit. Has a suppleness to it, a roundness with wild herbs and flowers inner mouth perfumes with some air. Has finesse written all over it, with impressive length. 93pts
2019 Burzi Barolo La Serra
Bottled in march last year, planted 2014, first vintage
40 days maceration, in concrete tanks with a curve, a18 months in oak,
20hl sized barrel for the vineyard size so smaller barrel less time
Lightly aromatic, less fruit, wild blueberry, thyme, coffee, wild cherry, light on the palate, willowy, lean but elegant, there’s a delicacy here, and a leanness to the tannins, a bit of tea base notes, very la Serra, higher altitude cooler climate wine, has some tart red fruit and strawberry, lots of rose petal emerging now, just delicate and nuanced. Tannins are not packed but firm and dry. 91pts
2019 Burzi Capalot Vecchie Viti
Peony, darker fruit, dried herbs, dried strawberry, bricky clay, almost a little peppery herb, arugula like. Smells a touch candied, very complex, rich and nuanced. Sweet and bright just lovely cut and juiciness here, depth and elegance with such fabulous intensity and purity of fruit a little candied blackberry wrapped around a core of cherry fruit, ripe tannins are abundant, but firm if ripe, power without weight, so much acid but not out of balance, cherry lifesaver note on nose, man this closes down quickly. 94pts
By rolling the tops you use older leaves which produce less sugar, and respire at a slower rate, which reduces the water uptake and the potassium uptake which lowers the acidity.
From an onsite visit march 2017
Alberto Burzi is a new producer in la Morra, starting in 2012 with a single Barbera, he has since expanded his portfolio to include three Nebbiolo based wines. Like many of the newest generation, as has always been the case, Alberto has set off on a path that splits off from the predictable. His wines are light, delicate, reminding me of Burgundy from Pacalet, though they do not share carbonic maceration as the fermentation of choice. The wines all share a freshness and juiciness that is attractive, but the weightlessness of the Barolo, I wrote that they gave the impression of being holograms, as both compelling and particularly striking. I do not know how these wines will age, but perhaps we should be thinking of them not in the traditional approach to Barolo of what they might offer in the future but instead accept and appreciate them for all they offer today. I look forward to following up with Alberto of the coming years and to discovering just what he has captured in his wines.
2014 Alberto Burzi Barbera
Aged in inox
A bit smokey on the nose, with pure and vibrant aromas of dark earth, plum, and Iris. In the mouth this is tense mineral driven, and lean from the vintage, with transparent and pure black plum skin flavors presented in a rather elegant package. A bright wine but not nervous and finishing with wet river stone character, this is moderately complex and well balanced. A rather detailed wine from the vintage. 87pts
2015 Alberto Burzi Nebbiolo Roncaja
Fermentation and malo in 500L tonneaux, followed by six months of ageing in tonneaux with regular lees stirring. The effort is to make a pure expression of nebbiolo and not a mini or baby Barolo
Super delicate color. The fruit driven nose hints at arugula and watermelon, so fresh, pretty and floral. Bright and juicy in the mouth, this is delicious filling with palate with cherry fruit and flashes of juicy sweet watermelon. The intense perfumes of the nose fill the mouth as well. A pure, unfettered nebbiolo at its best, super delicious, light and delicate with tannins that are just an echo of what one might find in barolo. Mouth watering! 90pts
2013 Alberto Burzi Barolo
From vineyards in Roncaglia, Rive, Rocchettevino and two parcels in Capalot. Aged for two years, a little less than two years in slavonian oak, a little time in inox after wood and before glass to ease the transition 5k bottles
Floral delicate and perfumed on the nose with more than a nuance of wood but nothing disturbing. There is no fat here; this is lean sleek and focused. Taut on the palate with red berry fruit framed with nuanced floral and ivy aromas all topped with a hint of sandalwood. Tannins are fine grained. This is vibrant, delicate and refined, while very drinkable I don’t see this making old bones. Time will tell but it’s delicious now so perhaps there is no point in waiting. 89pts
2013 Alberto Burzi Barolo Barolo Capelot Vecchie Viti
This undergoes a 30 day cappelllo somerso fermentation and is bottled earlier than the base Barolo.
Delicate color. Sweetly fruited on the nose with gorgeous cherry fruit topped with spicy floral accent notes and a hint of chinato spice Here too one finds a sheen of wood but nothing objectionable. This is a broader, richer wine with more weight and power on the palate. Bright and vibrant on the palate with a fine mineral undertone helping to knit everything together. There’s nice lift on the back end with a rush of bitter cherry fruit supported by ample yet supple tannins. This finishes with real elegance and purity, vibrancy as well, and the fruit drives it all. 92pts
These barolo are like holograms,
Barolo Tala era.
Flower infused Barolo
Intense nose, spicy and minty with hints of cinnamon, pollen, and old wood. Not too sweet, on the palate, in fact the finish is dry and acid driven. Intensely perfumed in the mouth, perhaps a little simple but the tannins and acid real freshen the palate here, maybe 16%. Really lovely stuff and unique. NR
Alberto Burzi is a new producer in la Morra, starting in 2012 with a single Barbera, he has since expanded his portfolio to include three Nebbiolo based wines. Like many of the newest generation, as has always been the case, Alberto has set off on a path that splits off from the predictable. His wines are light, delicate, reminding me of Burgundy from Pacalet, though they do not share carbonic maceration as the fermentation of choice. The wines all share a freshness and juiciness that is attractive, but the weightlessness of the Barolo, I wrote that they gave the impression of being holograms, as both compelling and particularly striking. I do not know how these wines will age, but perhaps we should be thinking of them not in the traditional approach to Barolo of what they might offer in the future but instead accept and appreciate them for all they offer today. I look forward to following up with Alberto of the coming years and to discovering just what he has captured in his wines.
2014 Alberto Burzi Barbera
Aged in inox
A bit smokey on the nose, with pure and vibrant aromas of dark earth, plum, and Iris. In the mouth this is tense mineral driven, and lean from the vintage, with transparent and pure black plum skin flavors presented in a rather elegant package. A bright wine but not nervous and finishing with wet river stone character, this is moderately complex and well balanced. A rather detailed wine from the vintage. 87pts
2015 Alberto Burzi Nebbiolo Roncaja
Fermentation and malo in 500L tonneaux, followed by six months of ageing in tonneaux with regular lees stirring. The effort is to make a pure expression of nebbiolo and not a mini or baby Barolo
Super delicate color. The fruit driven nose hints at arugula and watermelon, so fresh, pretty and floral. Bright and juicy in the mouth, this is delicious filling with palate with cherry fruit and flashes of juicy sweet watermelon. The intense perfumes of the nose fill the mouth as well. A pure, unfettered nebbiolo at its best, super delicious, light and delicate with tannins that are just an echo of what one might find in barolo. Mouth watering! 90pts
2013 Alberto Burzi Barolo
From vineyards in Roncaglia, Rive, Rocchettevino and two parcels in Capalot. Aged for two years, a little less than two years in slavonian oak, a little time in inox after wood and before glass to ease the transition 5k bottles
Floral delicate and perfumed on the nose with more than a nuance of wood but nothing disturbing. There is no fat here; this is lean sleek and focused. Taut on the palate with red berry fruit framed with nuanced floral and ivy aromas all topped with a hint of sandalwood. Tannins are fine grained. This is vibrant, delicate and refined, while very drinkable I don’t see this making old bones. Time will tell but it’s delicious now so perhaps there is no point in waiting. 89pts
2013 Alberto Burzi Barolo Barolo Capelot Vecchie Viti
This undergoes a 30 day cappelllo somerso fermentation and is bottled earlier than the base Barolo.
Delicate color. Sweetly fruited on the nose with gorgeous cherry fruit topped with spicy floral accent notes and a hint of chinato spice Here too one finds a sheen of wood but nothing objectionable. This is a broader, richer wine with more weight and power on the palate. Bright and vibrant on the palate with a fine mineral undertone helping to knit everything together. There’s nice lift on the back end with a rush of bitter cherry fruit supported by ample yet supple tannins. This finishes with real elegance and purity, vibrancy as well, and the fruit drives it all. 92pts
These barolo are like holograms,
Barolo Tala era.
Flower infused Barolo
Intense nose, spicy and minty with hints of cinnamon, pollen, and old wood. Not too sweet, on the palate, in fact the finish is dry and acid driven. Intensely perfumed in the mouth, perhaps a little simple but the tannins and acid real freshen the palate here, maybe 16%. Really lovely stuff and unique. NR