Barolo (2020)

About this wine

Casa E. di Mirafiore Barolo 2020 is 100% Nebbiolo from Piedmont, blending fruit from multiple estate vineyards in the traditional Barolo style. The nose opens with Rose, Red Cherry, Nutmeg, and Licorice, then picks up a woodsy note that feels very true to the hills around Serralunga d'Alba. On the palate, it brings Cherry, Plum, Black Pepper, and Licorice, with a fresh lift that keeps the wine energetic rather than heavy. The tannins are present and serious, but they feel polished, giving the wine a steady, confident shape. Mirafiore has roots going back to the old House of Savoy era, and that sense of heritage shows in a Barolo that leans classic, structured, and deeply expressive rather than flashy. What makes this bottle especially appealing is how it captures Barolo's signature mix of floral perfume, savory depth, and firm backbone in a way that already feels composed and inviting.

About the grape

Nebbiolo is an ancient Piedmontese grape that likely developed in the Langhe hills and became the sole permitted variety for Barolo, prized for its high acidity and firm tannins. In Serralunga d Alba where Casa E. di Mirafiore sources fruit, Nebbiolo is often grown on calcareous clay soils and trained to manage vigor so the berries ripen slowly at higher tannin and aroma concentration. For this Casa E. di Mirafiore Barolo the estate works with traditional long macerations and maturation in large medium to very large oak casks, practices that soften Nebbiolo tannins while preserving its structure and longevity. Over time producers in the region have selected local clones and site specific plantings to emphasize Nebbiolo character, and Mirafiore blends fruit from several Serralunga lots to achieve balance in the bottling.

Quick facts

• 👑 Casa E. di Mirafiore’s Barolo traces back to a winery founded in 1878 by Count Emanuele Alberto Guerrieri, who was a son of Italy’s first king, giving the estate a literal royal origin story.
• 🌱 The Mirafiore Barolo 2020 is offered in an organic (biologico) bottling, reflecting the estate’s recent push toward sustainable viticulture in the Langhe hills.
• 🛢️ Rather than small new barriques, Mirafiore traditionally ages its Barolo in very large oak botti from 2,000 up to 14,000 liters, a practice that softens oak influence and highlights Nebbiolo’s perfume.
• 🏘️ Casa E. di Mirafiore is part of the ‘Villaggio Narrante’ of Fontanafredda, so buying a bottle connects you to a living historic village and cellar complex you can actually visit and explore.
• ✈️ Mirafiore’s Barolo has a long export history dating back to the 19th century, winning awards at early world fairs and reaching markets in Brussels, Chicago, and San Francisco, making it one of Piedmont’s long-traveled labels.

Palate profile

Producer

Casa E. di Mirafiore was established in 1878 by Emanuele Alberto Guerrieri, Count of Mirafiore and son of Italy's first king, Victor Emmanuel II. Under his leadership, the winery gained international acclaim for its Barolo wines. The estate faced challenges during the Great Depression, leading to its closure in 1931. In 2008, the winery was revitalized by Oscar Farinetti, founder of Eataly, who restored its commitment to traditional winemaking and organic practices.