In this episode, I chat with Giulia Parusso, a fourth-generation winemaker from the prestigious Barolo region in Piedmont, Northern Italy. Parusso, a family-run winery producing about 150,000 bottles annually, is celebrated for its unique blend of youthful vibrancy and mature Barolo wines – paradoxically very mature when young and very young when mature. Giulia's uncle, Marco, is known in the Barolo region as an innovator in winemaking, and we delve into the technical details (grape resting, activating tannins, bâtonnage, and active oxygen work) that set their wines apart.
Barolo wine, made exclusively from red Nebbiolo grapes, derives its exceptional character from the diverse soils and unique terroir formed over millions of years. Nebbiolo grapes, pale in color yet strong in tannins, are full of character. Parusso’s Mariondino and Bussia wines, in particular, stand out for their complex flavors yet remarkably smooth tannins.
Giulia Parusso shares her family's century-long dedication to winemaking, the hard work behind running a successful family business, and the nuances of discovering her own path within it. We discuss the honest realities of the expensive and labor-intensive wine business, and how Barolo winemakers stand out for their character rather than sophisticated marketing strategies.
This episode was produced by Play4n4, with music by Cyan Lu. Video and audio by Tiauliau.
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