“Cavallotto may very well be the greatest Barolo producer few people have ever heard of, something that continues to mystify me. Truth is, it isn’t just the Barolos here that are impressive, the entry-level wines are every bit as delicious and well-priced…Readers who appreciate a firm, classic style of Barolo will want to spend some time getting to know Cavallotto.” – Antonio Galloni, The Wine Advocate
The current generation of the Cavallotto family, Alfio, Guiseppe and Laura are the fifth to take stewardship of this pioneering, yet steadfastly traditional Barolo producer. They were one of the very first to both grow and bottle their own production in the late forties, and under Olivio and Guido Cavallotto in the 1970s, they began to manage their vineyards organically, interplanting grasses between rows and introducing natural pest management. Today they continue to restrict yields (the yearly average across the estate is a mere 32-38 hl/ha); in the cellar, they rely solely on idigenous yeasts and mature virtually all their production in giant Slovenian oak botti.
They claim sole ownership of the Bricco Boschis crù, a sun-drenched south/southeast facing hill on the approach to the village of Castiglione Falletto. The planted area is 8.8ha yet because of variation in soil composition, elevation and aspect, the Cavallottos divide the site into three subzones: Vigne Colle Sud-Ovest, Punta Marcello and Vigna San Giuseppe. The last of these is also bottled as a single cru Riserva. The densely planted old vines grow here at an altitude of 300-360m and the soils, a patchwork of yellow, white and grey calcareous clays, interwoven with sand and sandstone, are as varied as the vineyard’s many exposures.
The Barolo Bricco Boschis is crafted from the Vigne Colle Sud-Ovest and Punta Marcello parcels. The vines for this cuvée average around 50 years old and their deep root systems really siphon the essence out of the Boschis' complex clay and calcareous soils. The wine spends about 20 days on skins before being aged in Slovenian-oak casks of various sizes (all large) for three years and six months.
"Good medium red. Vinous cherry, plum and redcurrant aromas complicated by leather and tobacco nuances. Dense, sweet and juicy, with plenty of brisk acidity to leaven the impression of breadth. Finishes with firm, dusty tannins and excellent length. I love the impression of brooding energy." 92 points, Stephen Tanzer's International Wine Cellar
“These are classic bottles to the core, the result of rigorous management in the vineyard and long maceration in the cellar.” - Gambero Rosso Italian Wines 2010
“The Fratelli Cavallotto estate in Castiglione Falletto has been turning out some of the purest expressions of Nebbiolo ever since brothers Olivio and Guido Cavallotto began bottling their own Barolos from their spectacular Bricco Boschis vineyards back in 1948.” Kerin O’Keefe, The World Of Fine Wine, Issue 24
“Ripe cherry, licorice, tobacco and spice flavors stay fresh courtesy of the vibrant acidity in this elegant red. Approachable, but the firm tannins suggest medium-term aging. Delivers a hint of green olive on the finish. Best from 2015 through 2028. 2000 cases produced.” 92 points, Wine Spectator, September 2013