ln Australia the name Brezza has become synonymous with Barolo, Barbera and Dolcetto. The combination of the wonderful hospitality shown by the Brezza family at their Hotel Barolo, in the town of Barolo itself, and the robust, authentic and value wines Enzo Brezza produces in his little cantina (winery) below the Hotel, seems irresistible. Scores of Australians have used the Hotel as a base from which to discover the wonders of Piedmont, or to do vintage at Brezza itself or with other makers nearby. Everyone has a great time and the wines are almost a bonus to the Brezza’s biggest output; their amazing hospitality, since they first opened their Hotel Barolo in 1875.

Sitting up against La Morra, the Cru of ‘Sarmassa’ is expected to echo the generosity of the predominant Helvetian soils. Some describe it as ‘hedonistic’; but it can’t be like a Pomerol or big Cote Rotie, no, this is Barolo and things are relative! But ‘Sarmassa’ is richly perfumed upfront, with both roses and red fruits, cherry or sweet plums, and the flavours and textures are generous, yet still so correctly cut and shaped.

01 Barolo ‘Sarmassa’, 2 glasses—Gambero Rosso Italian Wines 2008