Negri, Giulia
It is a joy to have been able to observe the evolution of Giulia Negri over the 8 or so years since my first visit with her. The wines have evolved, changed, improved, the coterie of animals seems to have expanded, but Giulia, well Giulia remains the same. A dynamo, enthusiastic, always smiling, serious and focused, but not to a fault. A visit here is always a learning experience, and a lot of fun.
While the Serradenari estate is the highest in the region, it is not as though we are talking about hundreds of meters above anyone else's, yet the character of the wines is particularly defined by the this altitude and exposition. The altitude lends the wines finesse and elegance. These are not powerful wines and even within the family of La Morra Barolo they strike me as among the most tender and delicate, which is not to say that they cannot be complex and gorgeous, just they character is worth noting less someone feel the need to comment to me that these wines are light, too light, as has been done on more than one occasion.
Speaking of character, the three barolo crus here have amazingly distinct characters, teased out of the soil through Giulia’s rather traditional, minimally interventionist approach. The Tartufaia is the lightest of the three, with great tension on the palate. The Serradenari is the most typical of the three, fruitier and dense than the Tartufaia, and hinting at the depth and complexity that the Morrasio offers. And finally the Morassio offers the most depth and energy of the three, rich with balsamic tones and amazing complexity from the soil driven flavors and aromas. The wines all undergo the same spontaneous fermentations and are egged in 25hl slavonian oak casks. The character of each vineyard generally hold true through the vintages I’ve tasted, so you know that the variable at play here is the subplot within the estate, and they really are just subplots, which makes their variability evermore fascinating.
Giulia also has a love for Burgundy and has been working on both Chardonnay and Pinot Noir produced to a generally Burgundian model for as long as I’ve been visiting her. As expected the Pinot Noir has a distinctly Piedmontese character, the Chardonnay much less so, but both, being works in progress, have been moving in a very positive direction. I do get to taste the Barolos occasionally, from my cellar, but truthfully i’ve only tasted these two wines here at the estate so have no idea how they are fairing int he bottle. A question worth exploring during my next visit perhaps!
If you like Langhe Nebbiolo, Giulia’s is on of the top expressions in my book. The higher altitude character and delicate touch in the cellar produces a nuanced, subtle wine that captures the best of Nebbiolo.
April 2024
2022 Giulia Negri Barbera d’Alba
Bottled three weeks ago
Darkly fruited, lots of soil tones, sweet soil and a damp tobacco and herb framing note. Rich, fairly powerful and soft in the mouth with lots of depth and good brightness, but this, is a bit dense and and a touch short, fine wine but without the spark of the best wines here, long with a succulence to it. 89pts
2022 Giulia Negri Langhe Nebbiolo
Shows some wood impression still, then a gorgeous kernel of red fruit, a bit of smoky almost mineral character. Wow this has a ton of fruit flavor up front, powdery tannins, just terrific with great structure that is just firm enough, so supply firm. With a nice dollop of bitter cherry fruit, good length, very nice blend of fruitiness and a sculpted, cool gentle structure of high altitude nebbiolo. 93pts
2020 Giulia Negri Barolo La Tartufaia
High toned and beautifully, perfumed with a bit of sandalwood wood spice quite floral, orange rind, cherry preserves, wild, chalky, bright and edgy Fine nuance and depth with terrific energy in the mouth, willowy tannins, a long sweep of red fruit and cranberry/lingonberry on the finish, such succulence with a truly vibrant finish, with red/green apple acidity, polishes the palate on the finish with its brisk acidity. 93pts
2020 Giulia Negri Barolo Serradenari
More balsamic and wild flower toned on the nose, with dried red currant fruit tones. Bright with great energy in the mouth, delivering more fruit with a subtle fruity impact. Totally transparent with such fine detail, angular and faceted on the palate, great energy through the finish which is another broader sweep of fruit, dried wild flowers, a touch of sandy soil and then astringent red fruit finale. Great tannins, firm but not terribly dry, so complex and detailed combines great length and delicate power. 95pts
2020 Giulia Negri Barolo Marassio
More soil driven on the nose, tight, citrus rind, pollen, silky, the most seductive of the trio. Open on the palate with fine grained tannins, sweet and salty notes, the soil really drives through on the gentle finish. Precise red berry fruit lingonberry wild strawberry, there’s good tension here the finish is freshly crushed berries, with some bitter floral almost medicinal accent notes through the finale, ending on a gentle note. Offers a lovely interplay between the tannin and this sweet fruit which has red and yellow components, wears it’s high altitude origin so well. 94pts
2021 Giulia Negri Langhe Pinot Noir
Nose Shows a slight excess of spicy oak today, lots of gentle candied wild berry fruit lurking under the wood, very perfumed with a slight undercurrent of muskiness,. Big and juicy on entry, showing supple tannins that are super firm but tiny, tannins emerge on the backend, then release again. Lots of fruit but also so juicy, yielding a juicy, acid driven wine, nice Pinot character early on the palate but the pinosoty really grows on the finish where the stoney nature of the minerality really accentuates the vinosity of the fruit. A touch of spiciness to the fruit which turns darker with air early on the palate, great persistence to the fruit. 92pts
2021 Giulia Negri Langhe Chardonnay
Quite citrusy and still with an oaky imprint, quite floral, lemon curd, juicy and bright super acid sweet fruit interplay, this is more exciting than many here have been. Long, finely textured, very finely textured indeed and dry. A lean racy vintage, drops off a touch on the finish, lovely wine with tension and purity, 90pts
Barrel samples
2023 Giulia Negri Langhe Nebbiolo
Reduced nose fresh lots of bold fine fruit
2022 Giulia Negri Barolo La Tartufaia.
High toned nose, lots of fruit and power, fairly tannic. Wow lots of material juicy superb freshness. Great wildberry fruitiness.
2022 Giulia Negri Barolo Serradenari
More complex and aromatic super high toned nose, all rosehips and orange rind, lots if substance then elegance and refinement. Great angularity juicy superb ripe tannins. Superb wine. Such a fine texture and purity if astringent red fruit.
2022 Giulia Negri Barolo Marassio
More exotic a bit of reduction, seashells more saline, lighter weight delicate and elegant, leaner with greater depth and superb soil expression.
2021 Giulia Negri Barolo La Tartufaia.
Tight, a touch a graham cracker oak influence, dark fruit with some watermelon, smooth entry, tea, dark fruit a touch of herbal infusion, dark strawberries, good tannins emerge and lengthen the finish, a hint of green tobacco, juicy dark and moderate powerful.
2021 Giulia Negri Barolo Serradenari
Lots of reduction. Totally bound up so tight theres lots of impressive if sweet gruit but its like an x ray. Tannins are firm, long this is downright powerful in a lean and sinewy way, more floral with air, great tension and energy.
2021 Giulia Negri Barolo Marassio
Reduced and closed but opening with strong mineral/vitamin basenotes and sweet dark small berry fruit. Firm tannins support bitter cherry fruit all mineral and gentle spiced on the long, tannic finish, lots of sweet dark cherry fruit emerging on the palate. Powerful with energy but generally sinewy.
2022 Giulia Negri Langhe Pinot Noir
Sweet fruit, density, there’s some delicate power, fine tannins lots of fruit lift and fine complexity, Probably the most pinot pinot I've had here.
2022 Giulia Negri Langhe Chardonnay
Lots of oak today. Floral lilac. From the new barrel,
An impromptu blend of the two barrels one new one old
Better oak integration, slightly tropical fruit, apricot, manosteen, bright a bit chewy super fresh, ripe pure and vibrant with decent length, a bit balsamic with air, a little bit extra phenolic, still needs to eat its oak.
While the Serradenari estate is the highest in the region, it is not as though we are talking about hundreds of meters above anyone else's, yet the character of the wines is particularly defined by the this altitude and exposition. The altitude lends the wines finesse and elegance. These are not powerful wines and even within the family of La Morra Barolo they strike me as among the most tender and delicate, which is not to say that they cannot be complex and gorgeous, just they character is worth noting less someone feel the need to comment to me that these wines are light, too light, as has been done on more than one occasion.
Speaking of character, the three barolo crus here have amazingly distinct characters, teased out of the soil through Giulia’s rather traditional, minimally interventionist approach. The Tartufaia is the lightest of the three, with great tension on the palate. The Serradenari is the most typical of the three, fruitier and dense than the Tartufaia, and hinting at the depth and complexity that the Morrasio offers. And finally the Morassio offers the most depth and energy of the three, rich with balsamic tones and amazing complexity from the soil driven flavors and aromas. The wines all undergo the same spontaneous fermentations and are egged in 25hl slavonian oak casks. The character of each vineyard generally hold true through the vintages I’ve tasted, so you know that the variable at play here is the subplot within the estate, and they really are just subplots, which makes their variability evermore fascinating.
Giulia also has a love for Burgundy and has been working on both Chardonnay and Pinot Noir produced to a generally Burgundian model for as long as I’ve been visiting her. As expected the Pinot Noir has a distinctly Piedmontese character, the Chardonnay much less so, but both, being works in progress, have been moving in a very positive direction. I do get to taste the Barolos occasionally, from my cellar, but truthfully i’ve only tasted these two wines here at the estate so have no idea how they are fairing int he bottle. A question worth exploring during my next visit perhaps!
If you like Langhe Nebbiolo, Giulia’s is on of the top expressions in my book. The higher altitude character and delicate touch in the cellar produces a nuanced, subtle wine that captures the best of Nebbiolo.
April 2024
2022 Giulia Negri Barbera d’Alba
Bottled three weeks ago
Darkly fruited, lots of soil tones, sweet soil and a damp tobacco and herb framing note. Rich, fairly powerful and soft in the mouth with lots of depth and good brightness, but this, is a bit dense and and a touch short, fine wine but without the spark of the best wines here, long with a succulence to it. 89pts
2022 Giulia Negri Langhe Nebbiolo
Shows some wood impression still, then a gorgeous kernel of red fruit, a bit of smoky almost mineral character. Wow this has a ton of fruit flavor up front, powdery tannins, just terrific with great structure that is just firm enough, so supply firm. With a nice dollop of bitter cherry fruit, good length, very nice blend of fruitiness and a sculpted, cool gentle structure of high altitude nebbiolo. 93pts
2020 Giulia Negri Barolo La Tartufaia
High toned and beautifully, perfumed with a bit of sandalwood wood spice quite floral, orange rind, cherry preserves, wild, chalky, bright and edgy Fine nuance and depth with terrific energy in the mouth, willowy tannins, a long sweep of red fruit and cranberry/lingonberry on the finish, such succulence with a truly vibrant finish, with red/green apple acidity, polishes the palate on the finish with its brisk acidity. 93pts
2020 Giulia Negri Barolo Serradenari
More balsamic and wild flower toned on the nose, with dried red currant fruit tones. Bright with great energy in the mouth, delivering more fruit with a subtle fruity impact. Totally transparent with such fine detail, angular and faceted on the palate, great energy through the finish which is another broader sweep of fruit, dried wild flowers, a touch of sandy soil and then astringent red fruit finale. Great tannins, firm but not terribly dry, so complex and detailed combines great length and delicate power. 95pts
2020 Giulia Negri Barolo Marassio
More soil driven on the nose, tight, citrus rind, pollen, silky, the most seductive of the trio. Open on the palate with fine grained tannins, sweet and salty notes, the soil really drives through on the gentle finish. Precise red berry fruit lingonberry wild strawberry, there’s good tension here the finish is freshly crushed berries, with some bitter floral almost medicinal accent notes through the finale, ending on a gentle note. Offers a lovely interplay between the tannin and this sweet fruit which has red and yellow components, wears it’s high altitude origin so well. 94pts
2021 Giulia Negri Langhe Pinot Noir
Nose Shows a slight excess of spicy oak today, lots of gentle candied wild berry fruit lurking under the wood, very perfumed with a slight undercurrent of muskiness,. Big and juicy on entry, showing supple tannins that are super firm but tiny, tannins emerge on the backend, then release again. Lots of fruit but also so juicy, yielding a juicy, acid driven wine, nice Pinot character early on the palate but the pinosoty really grows on the finish where the stoney nature of the minerality really accentuates the vinosity of the fruit. A touch of spiciness to the fruit which turns darker with air early on the palate, great persistence to the fruit. 92pts
2021 Giulia Negri Langhe Chardonnay
Quite citrusy and still with an oaky imprint, quite floral, lemon curd, juicy and bright super acid sweet fruit interplay, this is more exciting than many here have been. Long, finely textured, very finely textured indeed and dry. A lean racy vintage, drops off a touch on the finish, lovely wine with tension and purity, 90pts
Barrel samples
2023 Giulia Negri Langhe Nebbiolo
Reduced nose fresh lots of bold fine fruit
2022 Giulia Negri Barolo La Tartufaia.
High toned nose, lots of fruit and power, fairly tannic. Wow lots of material juicy superb freshness. Great wildberry fruitiness.
2022 Giulia Negri Barolo Serradenari
More complex and aromatic super high toned nose, all rosehips and orange rind, lots if substance then elegance and refinement. Great angularity juicy superb ripe tannins. Superb wine. Such a fine texture and purity if astringent red fruit.
2022 Giulia Negri Barolo Marassio
More exotic a bit of reduction, seashells more saline, lighter weight delicate and elegant, leaner with greater depth and superb soil expression.
2021 Giulia Negri Barolo La Tartufaia.
Tight, a touch a graham cracker oak influence, dark fruit with some watermelon, smooth entry, tea, dark fruit a touch of herbal infusion, dark strawberries, good tannins emerge and lengthen the finish, a hint of green tobacco, juicy dark and moderate powerful.
2021 Giulia Negri Barolo Serradenari
Lots of reduction. Totally bound up so tight theres lots of impressive if sweet gruit but its like an x ray. Tannins are firm, long this is downright powerful in a lean and sinewy way, more floral with air, great tension and energy.
2021 Giulia Negri Barolo Marassio
Reduced and closed but opening with strong mineral/vitamin basenotes and sweet dark small berry fruit. Firm tannins support bitter cherry fruit all mineral and gentle spiced on the long, tannic finish, lots of sweet dark cherry fruit emerging on the palate. Powerful with energy but generally sinewy.
2022 Giulia Negri Langhe Pinot Noir
Sweet fruit, density, there’s some delicate power, fine tannins lots of fruit lift and fine complexity, Probably the most pinot pinot I've had here.
2022 Giulia Negri Langhe Chardonnay
Lots of oak today. Floral lilac. From the new barrel,
An impromptu blend of the two barrels one new one old
Better oak integration, slightly tropical fruit, apricot, manosteen, bright a bit chewy super fresh, ripe pure and vibrant with decent length, a bit balsamic with air, a little bit extra phenolic, still needs to eat its oak.
4/2023
2020 Giulia Negri Langhe Chardonnay
Very floral, very chamomile, integrated wood, a touch of talc on the nose, a touch loose on the palate, rather mineral with a creamy richness, a touch of lemon curd, delicate on the backend, long with more lemon peel, and gentle wood spice accents. 91pts
2020 Giulia Negri Langhe Pinot Noir
Very pinot nose, rather floral, delicate raspberry fruit and a not inconsequential doses of wood, delicate, a bit loose, lovely acidity, very delicate lovely wine, in a nuanced style, delicate. 90pts
2021 Giulia Negri Langhe Nebbiolo
Bottled two months ago.
Rose petals, low balsamic, easy going, this has energy a little flesh, crisp tannins, delicate and fine, mineral water, strawberry fruit, gentle balsamic notes, a bit of earth, has some cheek grabbing tannins, succulent wine draws one in though it’s totally nuanced and fine. 91pts
2019 Giulia Negri Barolo La Tartufaia
Delicate, lightly dried cherry, heathery, wisteria scented with a gentle raspberry fruit on the nose, a gentle herbal edge of thyme emerges with air, needs air to develop the tannins, interesting tannins that rise and fall on the palate, lovely austerity, lovely limestone base note, delicate red fruited finishes,. 91pts
2019 Giulia Negri Barolo Serradenari
Sweet raspberry fruit and wisteria, seashell and sand accent on the nose, higher toned, more obvious and intense fruit, lovely elegant and fine but with richness and a gentle power, so transparent, crushed fruit on stone, long and lithe, there’s a tarry core here. Very complete, dusty tannins. 93pts
2019 Giulia Negri Morassio
Balsamic, dark stone, dark, more tar, less intense but present, black cherry, lithe, great supple tannins, very high on the palate, has super tension, very deep mineral midpalate, chewyish, tight bright so salty, so much to gain, exceptional length, again the crushed berry on stone,
Super austere representation of an austere vintage, the high altitude here is a strong signature, this will be a love it or hate it wine. 92pts
2020 Giulia Negri Langhe Chardonnay
Very floral, very chamomile, integrated wood, a touch of talc on the nose, a touch loose on the palate, rather mineral with a creamy richness, a touch of lemon curd, delicate on the backend, long with more lemon peel, and gentle wood spice accents. 91pts
2020 Giulia Negri Langhe Pinot Noir
Very pinot nose, rather floral, delicate raspberry fruit and a not inconsequential doses of wood, delicate, a bit loose, lovely acidity, very delicate lovely wine, in a nuanced style, delicate. 90pts
2021 Giulia Negri Langhe Nebbiolo
Bottled two months ago.
Rose petals, low balsamic, easy going, this has energy a little flesh, crisp tannins, delicate and fine, mineral water, strawberry fruit, gentle balsamic notes, a bit of earth, has some cheek grabbing tannins, succulent wine draws one in though it’s totally nuanced and fine. 91pts
2019 Giulia Negri Barolo La Tartufaia
Delicate, lightly dried cherry, heathery, wisteria scented with a gentle raspberry fruit on the nose, a gentle herbal edge of thyme emerges with air, needs air to develop the tannins, interesting tannins that rise and fall on the palate, lovely austerity, lovely limestone base note, delicate red fruited finishes,. 91pts
2019 Giulia Negri Barolo Serradenari
Sweet raspberry fruit and wisteria, seashell and sand accent on the nose, higher toned, more obvious and intense fruit, lovely elegant and fine but with richness and a gentle power, so transparent, crushed fruit on stone, long and lithe, there’s a tarry core here. Very complete, dusty tannins. 93pts
2019 Giulia Negri Morassio
Balsamic, dark stone, dark, more tar, less intense but present, black cherry, lithe, great supple tannins, very high on the palate, has super tension, very deep mineral midpalate, chewyish, tight bright so salty, so much to gain, exceptional length, again the crushed berry on stone,
Super austere representation of an austere vintage, the high altitude here is a strong signature, this will be a love it or hate it wine. 92pts
4/2022
Barrel Samples
2020 Giulia Negri Barbera d’Alba
To be bottled soon, from vineyards in Sinio and Monforte
Very pretty berry fruit, chewing gum berry/grapey fruity. A bit chewy good density good length terrific minerality. Almost velvety, shows a hint of alcohol on the finish. 90pts
2020 Giulia Negri Langhe Nebbiolo
Delicate and fine aromatics. A touch of a balsamic note is joined by hints of dried green citron peel. This is showing beautifully in the mouth, marrying clear and delicate red fruit flavors with that savory accent from the nose. Delicate tannins early on the palate, fade gently into the fruit which shows good persistence. Complex, delicate and nuanced, very Giulia Negri. 93pts
2020 Giulia Negri Barolo La Tartufaia
A bit reduced but theres great wild berry fruit here. Hint of nettles and watermelon rind. Good richness. Fine supple wine. Bright, juicy tension good.
2020 Giulia Negri Barolo Serradenari
Redder fruit, bright cranberry, candied raspberry, candied herbs. Fuller, stony on the backend more vertical tannins. Long finesse great cut on the palate. Really classic Barolo.
2020 Giulia Negri Barolo Marassio.
More extract of floral aromas, wild strawberry. Dusty, sandy. Totally different lacy, airy tannin structure. Deep, mineral laced dark fruit. Deep sucks the juice out of your tongue. Super noble tannins fine edged austerity just super elegant so salty and dusty chalky finish.
2019 Giulia Negri Barolo Tartufaia
A bit of sour plum damp earth, vanilla, cocoa hint of old wood necco wafer. Rich opulent wine lots of acid. Tons of sour cherry. Good length fruity but a bit simple with a hint of stone on the finish. Fresh, juicy, red fruited.
2019 Giulia Negri Barolo Serradenari
Lost 70% of serradenari to hail
Marasca cherry. Good purity. Sea grass. Tobacco. Pipe briar. Liquory depth great aromatics. Rich wine. Powerful but restrained. Tannins are so fine with just an edge of austerity.
2019 Giulia Negri Barolo Marassio
So fragrant super ripe plum, black cherry fruit. Dried thyme rosemary, such finesse here, not inconsequential power and fabulous depth but fresh and lithe.
Wines from bottle
2019 Giulia Negri Langhe Chardonnay
Lots of oak influence still in evidence, a bit of dried fruit and dried citrus peel but really oaky, Sweet from the oak, super nutty. It’s sweetly fruited, but on the finish there is a bit of dusty tannin. 87pts
2019 Giulia Negri Langhe Pinot Noir
Here too the oak tends to dominate, it’s raw and oaky, but also a little chalky, delicate, with decent fruit on the palate, fine, little raspberry fruit. Chewy tannin, thin pleasant but without distinction, a pleasant little wine. 86pts
2019 Giulia Negri Barbera d’Alba 13.5%
Very fresh, herbal, grassy, woodsy, red fruited, lithe, juicy, lacks fat, which I find attractive, less velvety styled than richer vintages, really lovely wine, vinous, nuanced, lovely wash of the mouth. 91pts
2019 Giulia Negri Langhe Nebbiolo
Superpale and fresh looking,
Lots of cherry, minty, sweet, menthol, sweet on the palate, fine red fruit, delicate but with firm tannins, fine transparency but there’s superb tension here, long bricky finish, powerful with a hint of warmth ont he finish, 90pts
2018 Giulia Negri Barolo La Tartufaia
Slightly autumnal with small candied raspberry fruit accent notes, some green tea, sweet raspberry tea on the palate, a bit angular, lovely richness with tannins that are just a touch angular, decent length, but this feels like peach tea in the mouth with those fuzzy tannins. 90pts
2018 Giulia Negri Barolo Serradenari
Stony, cool, icy notes on the nose, lots of rose petals, rounder, more purity of fruit, a little less complex perhaps but with riper tannins, all together more pleasing in the mouth, offering lovely lift and fine tension here, with good length to the lovely, dusty finale. Offering powerful drive, tannins are rich but ripe. 91pts
2019 Giulia Negri Barolo Morassio
More fruit, burnished fruit that is fresh and lovely if perhaps quite sunny, super complex if a touch vegetal in a positive way, classic cherries and wild raspberries in alcohol, rich on the palate with a long, stony edge, almost steely, starts out very attractive with a finish of structure and lovely minerality. 92pts
Barrel Samples
2020 Giulia Negri Barbera d’Alba
To be bottled soon, from vineyards in Sinio and Monforte
Very pretty berry fruit, chewing gum berry/grapey fruity. A bit chewy good density good length terrific minerality. Almost velvety, shows a hint of alcohol on the finish. 90pts
2020 Giulia Negri Langhe Nebbiolo
Delicate and fine aromatics. A touch of a balsamic note is joined by hints of dried green citron peel. This is showing beautifully in the mouth, marrying clear and delicate red fruit flavors with that savory accent from the nose. Delicate tannins early on the palate, fade gently into the fruit which shows good persistence. Complex, delicate and nuanced, very Giulia Negri. 93pts
2020 Giulia Negri Barolo La Tartufaia
A bit reduced but theres great wild berry fruit here. Hint of nettles and watermelon rind. Good richness. Fine supple wine. Bright, juicy tension good.
2020 Giulia Negri Barolo Serradenari
Redder fruit, bright cranberry, candied raspberry, candied herbs. Fuller, stony on the backend more vertical tannins. Long finesse great cut on the palate. Really classic Barolo.
2020 Giulia Negri Barolo Marassio.
More extract of floral aromas, wild strawberry. Dusty, sandy. Totally different lacy, airy tannin structure. Deep, mineral laced dark fruit. Deep sucks the juice out of your tongue. Super noble tannins fine edged austerity just super elegant so salty and dusty chalky finish.
2019 Giulia Negri Barolo Tartufaia
A bit of sour plum damp earth, vanilla, cocoa hint of old wood necco wafer. Rich opulent wine lots of acid. Tons of sour cherry. Good length fruity but a bit simple with a hint of stone on the finish. Fresh, juicy, red fruited.
2019 Giulia Negri Barolo Serradenari
Lost 70% of serradenari to hail
Marasca cherry. Good purity. Sea grass. Tobacco. Pipe briar. Liquory depth great aromatics. Rich wine. Powerful but restrained. Tannins are so fine with just an edge of austerity.
2019 Giulia Negri Barolo Marassio
So fragrant super ripe plum, black cherry fruit. Dried thyme rosemary, such finesse here, not inconsequential power and fabulous depth but fresh and lithe.
Wines from bottle
2019 Giulia Negri Langhe Chardonnay
Lots of oak influence still in evidence, a bit of dried fruit and dried citrus peel but really oaky, Sweet from the oak, super nutty. It’s sweetly fruited, but on the finish there is a bit of dusty tannin. 87pts
2019 Giulia Negri Langhe Pinot Noir
Here too the oak tends to dominate, it’s raw and oaky, but also a little chalky, delicate, with decent fruit on the palate, fine, little raspberry fruit. Chewy tannin, thin pleasant but without distinction, a pleasant little wine. 86pts
2019 Giulia Negri Barbera d’Alba 13.5%
Very fresh, herbal, grassy, woodsy, red fruited, lithe, juicy, lacks fat, which I find attractive, less velvety styled than richer vintages, really lovely wine, vinous, nuanced, lovely wash of the mouth. 91pts
2019 Giulia Negri Langhe Nebbiolo
Superpale and fresh looking,
Lots of cherry, minty, sweet, menthol, sweet on the palate, fine red fruit, delicate but with firm tannins, fine transparency but there’s superb tension here, long bricky finish, powerful with a hint of warmth ont he finish, 90pts
2018 Giulia Negri Barolo La Tartufaia
Slightly autumnal with small candied raspberry fruit accent notes, some green tea, sweet raspberry tea on the palate, a bit angular, lovely richness with tannins that are just a touch angular, decent length, but this feels like peach tea in the mouth with those fuzzy tannins. 90pts
2018 Giulia Negri Barolo Serradenari
Stony, cool, icy notes on the nose, lots of rose petals, rounder, more purity of fruit, a little less complex perhaps but with riper tannins, all together more pleasing in the mouth, offering lovely lift and fine tension here, with good length to the lovely, dusty finale. Offering powerful drive, tannins are rich but ripe. 91pts
2019 Giulia Negri Barolo Morassio
More fruit, burnished fruit that is fresh and lovely if perhaps quite sunny, super complex if a touch vegetal in a positive way, classic cherries and wild raspberries in alcohol, rich on the palate with a long, stony edge, almost steely, starts out very attractive with a finish of structure and lovely minerality. 92pts
May 2018
It always interesting to see what the next generation of Barolistas are up to, and at Giulia Negri one is in for surprises. The first being that Giulia herself is quite young but already quite accomplished. In truth her family has been in the Barolo Business for quite some time, owning the Serradenari estate. Other surprises include her traditionalist take on wine even though she is in the heart of modernist country: La Morra. This traditionalist take does not prevent Giulia from changing things up as her trials with both Pinot Noir and Chardonnay can attest to. All in all these are wines worthy of taking note. They strive for elegance and delicacy, though not to the extent of Alberto Burzi’s, and are produced in a generally non-interventionist and natural style.
2016 playing with a 72 day Barolo which is pretty fabulous out of botte
Vineyard planted in 2001 though Serradenari was planted in 2001 and they bought the adjacent piece to the higher part and planted in 2006, had been vineyard, then more recently hazelnuts
2014 Giulia Negri Chardonnay 12.5%
14 months of barrique, both Chard and Pinot were very affected by hail in14
Fairly smoky on the nose, shows a lot of terroir signature with rich clay, aromatics. Light, elegant style, a little more new world fruit than Burgundy,, showing refreshing acids and fresher fruit in the mouth, a little bit of perhaps yeasty heaviness from the sur lees ageing Certainly well made and pleasant, if a little short. 85pts
2015 Giulia Negri Chardonnay bottled last week 12.5%
SS then aged in barrique , 70% went through malo,
Lemon and lemon oil dominate the nose which also shows some chalk and riverstone quality along with a fresh oak top note. This is very pretty and perfumed in a tart fruit register that translates to the palate with its quince and citrus flavors. Bright, juicy and open on the palate, there is a little dusty tannin and some salinity. Long, moderately complex and youthful, this has some ageing potential and I would not be surprised to see this performing at a higher level after another 2-4 years in the bottle. 87pts
2013 Giulia Negri Pinot Noir Tartufaia 13.5%
A touch of sweet fruit and wood compete on the nose, which is interesting but a bit unformed yet. A bit candied, elegant, and rather hightoned in the mouth,which shows both a bit of a wood and a nice savory herbal aspect of Pinot. Very juicy, easy and pleasant with good length in almost a Beaujolais style. 87pts
2012 Giulia Negri Barolo LaTutarfaia 14.5%
Showing aromas of sweet black cherry fruit, a bit leafy, and showing some nuttiness, hazelnuts, light soil tones, and still a hint of wood on the nose. With a touch of sweetness on entry, releived by bright acids on the midpalate, this is relatively well balanced with tannins that are a touch edgy and come to overpower the delicate fruit on the palate and lend the mouth a slightly too dry texture. Quite front loaded, but still pleasant. 86pts
2012 Giulia Negri Barolo Serradenari 14.5%
More floral and underbrush on the nose with small, red, forest fruits that are playing a supporting role. Offering up a decidedly more complete mouthfeel than the Tartufaia Barolo, this is long, lithe, and elegant with fine tannins, and juicy wild strawberry fruit, showing the nuance of a nice forest floor core in the mouth. Very solid showing, easy to drink and showing an incipient truffle note on the finish. 88pts
2013 Giulia Negri Barolo Serradenari 14%
Much more aromatically intense with pronounced soil driven aromas underpinning briary and smoky/stemmy aromas with subtle red fruit framing notes. Bigger and broader in the mouth with lots of fine, slightly dark cherry fruit. Layered and complex in the mouth already, with firm yet well managed tannins and vibrant acids keeping this fresh and lively. Endowed with a core of very pure, detailed, red fruit with a savory finish. Tannins are long with a touch of clay spice on the finale. 91pts
2011 Giulia Negri Renoir
60% Pinot Noir 40% Nebbiolo
This is rousingly complex on the nse with lots of cherry fruit and smoke aromas layered over soil not rich with Langhe terroir signature. On entry there is plenty of soil notes and a hint of eucalyptus and tender Pinot fruit that fades in the mouth, yielding to the cherry fruit of Nebbiolo. Really a lovely wine, sort of serious, sort of not, begging to be served with a slight chill all summer long. Elegant and wonderfully hightoned and fresh. 88pts
2013 Giulia Negri Serradenari Barolo La Vetta 14%
Central part of the vineyard, richer soil with access to underground water, harvested earlier than the surrounding plots
Sweet tobacco,, hot stones, and dark cherry fruit offer lovely complexity on the nose. A little chewy and broad in the mouth, this offers a mouthful of wine that remains bright and transparent. Fine grained, limestone tannins support the midpalate lending this a touch of austerity as aromas of mint and wild herbs accent the fruit in the mouth. Quite structured, fine and long with wonderful persistence of raspberry fruit on the finish. 92pts
2013 Giulia Negri Serradenari Langhe Nebbiolo 13.5%
Very fragrant, nuanced on the nose with burnished wild cherry, earthy herb notes, lots of mint and floral aromas. Big on entry, then turning fine and tense on the mid palate with gentle tannins and a fine mineral edge. This retains a sense of delicacy even if it is made in a bit of an important Nebbiolo style. Offering good length, a really nice level of complexity and firmness in an accessible wine. 89pts
It always interesting to see what the next generation of Barolistas are up to, and at Giulia Negri one is in for surprises. The first being that Giulia herself is quite young but already quite accomplished. In truth her family has been in the Barolo Business for quite some time, owning the Serradenari estate. Other surprises include her traditionalist take on wine even though she is in the heart of modernist country: La Morra. This traditionalist take does not prevent Giulia from changing things up as her trials with both Pinot Noir and Chardonnay can attest to. All in all these are wines worthy of taking note. They strive for elegance and delicacy, though not to the extent of Alberto Burzi’s, and are produced in a generally non-interventionist and natural style.
2016 playing with a 72 day Barolo which is pretty fabulous out of botte
Vineyard planted in 2001 though Serradenari was planted in 2001 and they bought the adjacent piece to the higher part and planted in 2006, had been vineyard, then more recently hazelnuts
2014 Giulia Negri Chardonnay 12.5%
14 months of barrique, both Chard and Pinot were very affected by hail in14
Fairly smoky on the nose, shows a lot of terroir signature with rich clay, aromatics. Light, elegant style, a little more new world fruit than Burgundy,, showing refreshing acids and fresher fruit in the mouth, a little bit of perhaps yeasty heaviness from the sur lees ageing Certainly well made and pleasant, if a little short. 85pts
2015 Giulia Negri Chardonnay bottled last week 12.5%
SS then aged in barrique , 70% went through malo,
Lemon and lemon oil dominate the nose which also shows some chalk and riverstone quality along with a fresh oak top note. This is very pretty and perfumed in a tart fruit register that translates to the palate with its quince and citrus flavors. Bright, juicy and open on the palate, there is a little dusty tannin and some salinity. Long, moderately complex and youthful, this has some ageing potential and I would not be surprised to see this performing at a higher level after another 2-4 years in the bottle. 87pts
2013 Giulia Negri Pinot Noir Tartufaia 13.5%
A touch of sweet fruit and wood compete on the nose, which is interesting but a bit unformed yet. A bit candied, elegant, and rather hightoned in the mouth,which shows both a bit of a wood and a nice savory herbal aspect of Pinot. Very juicy, easy and pleasant with good length in almost a Beaujolais style. 87pts
2012 Giulia Negri Barolo LaTutarfaia 14.5%
Showing aromas of sweet black cherry fruit, a bit leafy, and showing some nuttiness, hazelnuts, light soil tones, and still a hint of wood on the nose. With a touch of sweetness on entry, releived by bright acids on the midpalate, this is relatively well balanced with tannins that are a touch edgy and come to overpower the delicate fruit on the palate and lend the mouth a slightly too dry texture. Quite front loaded, but still pleasant. 86pts
2012 Giulia Negri Barolo Serradenari 14.5%
More floral and underbrush on the nose with small, red, forest fruits that are playing a supporting role. Offering up a decidedly more complete mouthfeel than the Tartufaia Barolo, this is long, lithe, and elegant with fine tannins, and juicy wild strawberry fruit, showing the nuance of a nice forest floor core in the mouth. Very solid showing, easy to drink and showing an incipient truffle note on the finish. 88pts
2013 Giulia Negri Barolo Serradenari 14%
Much more aromatically intense with pronounced soil driven aromas underpinning briary and smoky/stemmy aromas with subtle red fruit framing notes. Bigger and broader in the mouth with lots of fine, slightly dark cherry fruit. Layered and complex in the mouth already, with firm yet well managed tannins and vibrant acids keeping this fresh and lively. Endowed with a core of very pure, detailed, red fruit with a savory finish. Tannins are long with a touch of clay spice on the finale. 91pts
2011 Giulia Negri Renoir
60% Pinot Noir 40% Nebbiolo
This is rousingly complex on the nse with lots of cherry fruit and smoke aromas layered over soil not rich with Langhe terroir signature. On entry there is plenty of soil notes and a hint of eucalyptus and tender Pinot fruit that fades in the mouth, yielding to the cherry fruit of Nebbiolo. Really a lovely wine, sort of serious, sort of not, begging to be served with a slight chill all summer long. Elegant and wonderfully hightoned and fresh. 88pts
2013 Giulia Negri Serradenari Barolo La Vetta 14%
Central part of the vineyard, richer soil with access to underground water, harvested earlier than the surrounding plots
Sweet tobacco,, hot stones, and dark cherry fruit offer lovely complexity on the nose. A little chewy and broad in the mouth, this offers a mouthful of wine that remains bright and transparent. Fine grained, limestone tannins support the midpalate lending this a touch of austerity as aromas of mint and wild herbs accent the fruit in the mouth. Quite structured, fine and long with wonderful persistence of raspberry fruit on the finish. 92pts
2013 Giulia Negri Serradenari Langhe Nebbiolo 13.5%
Very fragrant, nuanced on the nose with burnished wild cherry, earthy herb notes, lots of mint and floral aromas. Big on entry, then turning fine and tense on the mid palate with gentle tannins and a fine mineral edge. This retains a sense of delicacy even if it is made in a bit of an important Nebbiolo style. Offering good length, a really nice level of complexity and firmness in an accessible wine. 89pts