Cavallotto, Barolo Riserva DOCG, Bricco Boschis Vigna San Giuseppe
2004, Piemonte, Italy
Classification Barolo Riserva DOCG
Colour / Type Red
Bottle size 300cl
Alcohol 14%
Grape Nebbiolo
Average score 92
The Vinification room of Cavallotto was constructed in 1971 and has both horizontal and vertical temperature-controlled stainless-steel tanks in which the grapes begin their fermentation from indigenous yeasts. Crush is according to modern practices with the sole exception that the grapes are not passed through a crushing machine during the destemming process. The slow rotating action of the blades, in the horizontal rotofermentors, allows keeping the floating skins below the level of the fermenting liquid for a long, semi-submerged-cap maceration. After the fermentation of the young wines has finished, Dolcetto and Freisa are transferred to concrete tanks for the malolactic, while wines made for aging, such as Barolo, Nebbiolo, and Barbera, are racked to large casks of Slavonian oak located in the aging cellars. For these latter wines, malolactic occurs the following spring, when the wines are re-racked back to the cement tanks in the fermentation room. In this area starts the malolaction without the use of inoculating agents. The aging cellar for the bottles is a single underground room that was excavated in 1992 and has a constant temperature of 18 C, which is optimal for the conservation of bottled wine. In 2009 work was finished on an expansion which added vents that opened onto the subterranean calcareous marl and which help maintain constant humidity of 80% at a temperature of 15 C. Bottled wine rests here in anticipation of being prepared for sale.
About Cavallotto
Cavallotto is a historic wine estate located in Castiglione Falletto, at the heart of the Barolo region in Piedmont, Italy. The family’s winemaking tradition dates back to 1928, with the first bottling of Barolo under the Cavallotto label in 1948. The estate is managed by the Cavallotto family, who have maintained a strong commitment to traditional winemaking practices and sustainable viticulture across generations.
The Cavallotto estate encompasses 25 hectares of vineyards, including the prestigious Bricco Boschis cru, which has been solely owned by the family since 1928. The vineyards are situated at altitudes ranging from 250 to 350 meters, with soils rich in clay and limestone, providing ideal conditions for Nebbiolo and other native grape varieties. The estate is certified organic and emphasizes environmentally-friendly practices, from vineyard management to cellar operations, ensuring the health of the land and the authenticity of their wines.
Cavallotto’s portfolio is centered on Barolo, with several bottlings that highlight the unique terroir of Bricco Boschis and the Vigna San Giuseppe sub-cru. The estate also produces Dolcetto d’Alba, Barbera d’Alba, Langhe Nebbiolo, Langhe Freisa, and Langhe Grignolino, expressing the diversity of Piedmont’s indigenous grapes. Each wine is crafted with a focus on purity, balance, and aging potential, reflecting the family’s philosophy of minimal intervention and respect for tradition.
In the cellar, Cavallotto employs time-honored methods such as long macerations, spontaneous fermentations, and aging in large Slavonian oak casks. The wines are bottled unfiltered to preserve their character and complexity. The Barolo wines, in particular, are known for their longevity, structure, and aromatic depth, capturing the essence of the Bricco Boschis vineyard. The estate’s meticulous approach extends to every stage of production, from hand-harvesting to careful selection of grapes and patient maturation.
Visitors to Cavallotto can experience guided tours and tastings, offering insight into the family’s history, their sustainable practices, and the unique qualities of their wines. The estate also provides detailed technical information about each wine, including vineyard details, vinification methods, and vintage reports, reflecting their dedication to transparency and education.
The Cavallotto family’s deep roots in the Barolo region and unwavering commitment to quality have earned their wines international recognition and respect among collectors, sommeliers, and wine lovers. Their approach, rooted in tradition yet mindful of the future, ensures that each bottle expresses the distinct personality of their land and the legacy of generations dedicated to excellence in winemaking.