Gathered in the luxurious setting of The Lanesborough hotel in London, a select group of sommeliers and wine buyers joined Prunotto Brand Manager Emanuele Baldi and Alex Hunt MW for an exclusive vertical tasting of Barolo Bussia Riserva Vigna Colonnello. Against the backdrop of one of London’s most prestigious venues, the event showcased four vintages of this iconic wine, offering a deep dive into the craftsmanship, history, and evolving style of Prunotto.

The Story Behind Vigna Colonnello

Nestled in the heart of the Langhe region, Prunotto’s Barolo Bussia Riserva Vigna Colonnello represents the rich legacy of Barolo winemaking. This single hectare within the esteemed Bussia cru showcases a distinct soil composition—a mix of younger, sandier soils and older, clay-rich layers. This natural duality produces wines that balance elegance and power, with refined aromatics supported by structure and depth.

Emanuele Baldi shared how the vineyard’s history is intertwined with its name. Legend has it that a retired colonel from Napoleon’s army settled in the area, entranced by its beauty, and began making wine. Decades later, Prunotto acquired the vineyard as part of its commitment to showcasing the potential of specific vineyard sites in Barolo. This decision reflected Prunotto’s belief in the value of terroir-driven wines that express a clear sense of place.

The wine itself, first released as a single vineyard bottling in 2008, reflects this commitment. By focusing on precise fermentation techniques and long aging periods, Prunotto ensures Vigna Colonnello captures the essence of Barolo while offering a unique expression of its terroir.

Vintage Insights: From 2008 to 2017

2017

A vintage that presented unique challenges, 2017 rewarded careful vineyard management with a wine of remarkable concentration and balance. While frost and warm weather reduced yields, the result was a Barolo that combines ripe, expressive fruit with refreshing acidity. “It’s a vintage that proves the resilience of Barolo’s terroir,” noted Emanuele, “and how skillful winemaking can turn adversity into an opportunity to craft something extraordinary.”

2016

The 2016, described as a “perfect vintage”, was a unanimous highlight. Its combination of pristine structure, nuanced aromatics, and impeccable balance made it a benchmark for Barolo’s potential. Emanuele remarked, “every winemaker dreams of a year like 2016—it’s the vintage you’d repeat forever if you could.”

2013

The 2013 vintage sparked lively discussion. With its exotic notes of mango and blood orange, it divided the room, some praising its unique aromatics while others leaned toward more classic profiles. This vintage showcased the diversity within Barolo, proving that even a single vineyard can surprise with unexpected expressions.

2008

Closing the lineup was the 2008, a cooler, rainier vintage that revealed the aging potential of Vigna Colonnello. Now showing tertiary aromas of leather, earth, and dried fruit, it demonstrated how time transforms Barolo, adding layers of complexity while maintaining its freshness.

The Essence of Vigna Colonnello

Throughout the tasting, one theme resonated: Vigna Colonnello’s distinct personality. Its sandy clay loam soils and southwest exposure provide ideal conditions for Nebbiolo to thrive, producing wines that elegantly straddle the line between power and finesse.

Fermentation techniques also play a pivotal role in shaping Colonnello’s identity. Emanuele explained, “We use partial whole-cluster fermentation, which gives the wine its signature silky texture and aromatic complexity.” This approach, coupled with careful aging in oak and stainless steel, ensures each vintage remains true to its origins while reflecting the unique conditions of its year.

The discussion also touched on the philosophy behind Prunotto’s commitment to single-vineyard wines. “Barolo is about individuality,” Emanuele emphasised. “Vigna Colonnello should stand out in a blind tasting—not just as a Barolo, but as its own expression.”

Barolo’s Timeless Appeal

As the tasting concluded, attendees reflected on the timelessness of Barolo. Despite the challenges posed by climate change and shifting market dynamics, Vigna Colonnello remains a testament to the enduring power of terroir and meticulous craftsmanship. Each vintage told a story—not just of the vineyard, but of the people and traditions behind it.

For sommeliers, this vertical tasting underscored why Barolo is a cornerstone of fine wine programmes. Its complexity, aging potential, and ability to evoke a sense of place make it an invaluable addition to any prestigious wine list.

If you are interested in tasting Barolo Bussia Riserva Vigna Colonnello 2017, please get in touch with your Berkmann account manager or send an email to antinori.team@berkmann.co.uk