Borgogno Barolo Riserva 2008 - 750ml

92pts James Suckling

A lovely core of ripe fruit with dried berries and spices. Hints of balsamic vinegar. Full body, velvety tannins and a lightly chewy finish. Shows texture and tension. Solid Barolo. 

89pts Wine Advocate

The 2008 Barolo Riserva opens to dark and savory tones with dried tobacco leaf, cherry confit and black currant. Lingering tones of licorice, tar and smoke add to the wine's aged or slightly evolved appeal. The mouthfeel is polished and taut with integrated tannins that already feel silky and long. This wine is ready to drink.

About the Wine

It comes from three estate’s vineyards: Liste, Cannubi and Fossati. The first one, was born 11 million years ago from soil erosion, is composed by a completeness of micro and macro elements that combined together give to the wine peculiar characteristics of complexity and longevity. Cannubi was born 12 million years ago from the sedimentation of the sea, it is the most famous and vocated Barolo Cru. It has an amazing complexity
of terroir, formed by marly-calcareous soil and a very favourable climate and it originates wines with distinguished characters of elegance and longevity. Fossati vineyard was born about 10 million years ago from the sedimentation of the sea that occupied the Plain of the Po river after the push of the African continent against Italian peninsula. Since this vineyard has a relatively young terroir, it is composed by a good percentage of sand and its wines have great floral and red fruits fragrances. 

Barolo Borgogno is one of the oldest Barolo produced following a classic and natural style. These precious bottles could have some sediment settled in the bottom, for this reason decanting the wine few minutes before the service is recommended. 

Importer's Notes

Founded back in 1761—yes, before the U.S. had a president—Borgogno is the oldest continuously operating winery in Barolo. A major glow-up came in the 1920s when Cesare Borgogno took the reins, expanded production, and started shipping bottles far beyond the Italian border. Cesare also began hoarding Barolo—in the best way. Half of every vintage was tucked away in a massive cellar vault, only to be unleashed two decades later. 

Fast-forward to the Farinetti family takeover in 2008: Andrea Farinetti brought new energy with an organic conversion and a bold return to fermenting in cement vats, just like the good old days. The entire operation still runs from a subterranean cellar labyrinth in the heart of Barolo village. 

The estate now counts 39 hectares, including some of the region’s crown jewels—Cannubi, Liste, Fossati, San Pietro delle Viole—and even a Timorasso revival. 

Expect extended maceration, zero frills in the cellar, and wines with major aging chops. Borgogno is tradition with teeth—gripping, structured, and adored by Italy’s most serious collectors. 

Blend: 100% Nebbiolo