Mission Codename Let's get down to Bussia
Third time’s a charm they say. But the 1st and 2nd time we offered this Barolo y’all went NUTS for it too.
This time, all bets are off. If you know, it’s just TOO easy to make the call. Ghisolfi!! The one and only! 95/94/94 rated from the pros… at this price?! How can you not get a few?
In 1985 Carlo Ghisolfi bought a small property in the much heralded “Cru Bussia”. That’s where some of the biggest, burliest, and most age-worthy Barolo is born. And now, 30+ years later he’s mastered the winemaking process, tamed the Nebbiolo grape, and firmly solidified his name as one of the most loved producers in the region.
Bussia, for those who know, is a most glorious vineyard. Legends such as Conterno, Giacosa, Ceretto, Clerico, Parusso, just to name a few, have all adorned their top labels with this Cru over the decades.
Mary Ewing-Mulligan MW adds “Such are the riches of the Barolo wine zone that even those of us who visit the area regularly can be delighted by the discovery of a producer with whom we are not already familiar …tasting the Ghisolfi Barolo wines, I found much to like. Attilio Ghisolfi is what I would categorize as a traditional-style Barolo producer… with flavors that are precise and pure.”
Some Baroli bring an autocratic, palate-thumping dictator vibe. But some treat you like part of the royal inner circle. This, right at that sweet spot bridging traditionalism with modernity, rolls out a long red carpet into an expansive kingdom of Barolo’s treasures. A feast of complexity awaits - from tiny ripe red berries with balsamic to scorched wild herbs, cloves, dusty mushrooms, and a hint of licorice all framed by those big Nebbiolo tannins. This begs for dishes drenched in butter, cream, eggs, Parmigiano, and truffles, black or white, but lots of those heavenly things.
Check out these glowing reviews, and then imagine the original price slashed by nearly HALF?! Huzzah!
Just a couple of hundred boxes make it to the US, will it last the day?
95 Points – Wine Spectator
“Forthcoming aromas of rose, cherry and licorice are the hallmarks of this supple red. Bright and well defined, with notes of tobacco, cut hay and tar adding detail. Solidly built, this should develop nicely over the next two decades. 200 cases imported. Best from 2024 through 2043.”
94 Points – James Suckling
“This is very clear and refined with dark-berry, candied-citrus and mineral undertones on both the nose and palate. It’s medium-bodied. Bright and fresh at the end. Tight and fine tannin texture. Try after 2023.”
94 Points – Wine Enthusiast
“A camphor-like aroma mingles with forest floor, blue flowers, and botanical herbs. Elegantly structured, the full-bodied palate features ripe Morello cherry, strawberry compote, star anise and tobacco framed in firm, fine-grained tannins. Drink 2027–2032.”
What the Winery Says
2017 Bussia Barolo
- Winemaker
- Gianmarco Ghisolfi
- Varietal
- 100% Nebbiolo
- Vintage
- 2017
- Alcohol
- 15.3%
- Appellation
- Barolo DOCG, Piedmont
- Vineyard
- Cru Bussia
- Total acidity
- 6.18 g/L
- Residual sugar
- 0.54 g/L
- Vine age
- 5-18 years
- Planting density
- 5,500 vines/ha
- Altitude
- 300-350 meters
- Exposure
- South to south-west
- Soils
- Marl, white tufa
- Maceration
- 10 days on skin
- Aging
- 36 months
- Barrels
- Neutral Slovenian 25-30 Hl casks