Barolo Riserva Giacomo Borgogno & Figli 1987
The 1987 Barolo Riserva from Giacomo Borgogno & Figli represents a deep historical lineage in Italian winemaking. Founded in 1761, Borgogno is one of the oldest wine houses in the Barolo appellation. Situated in the town of Barolo itself, the estate played a central role during the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries in defining the modern, dry style of the wine, aided by the French winemaker Louis Oudart in the mid-1800s. The producer is known for its uncompromising traditionalism and classic production methods, including aging in large wooden casks known as botti. The label proudly bears the crest motto "Labore Cum Honore Pro Patria" alongside the year 1848, reflecting its long-standing heritage.
This Denominazione d'Origine Controllata e Garantita Riserva is produced in the prestigious Barolo area, located in the Langhe hills southwest of Alba within the Piedmont region. Piedmont, meaning "at the foot of the mountain," is surrounded by the Alps and is renowned for its dramatic, steep hillsides and strong focus on terroir. During autumn, these hills are frequently enveloped in a thick morning fog that protects the vineyards and ensures a long, steady ripening period for the grapes. The wine is made exclusively from Nebbiolo, a prominent Italian grape variety deeply tied to the region and known for yielding wines of significant structure. The 1987 vintage in this area achieved a score of 81 points and is characterized as light and mature.
Although the Borgogno family sold the estate to the Farinetti family in 2008, the modern ownership has maintained the house's classic approach. The estate continues to operate with a focus on the traditional methods that have defined its production for over two and a half centuries, ensuring that the historical identity of the appellation remains intact.
The history of the wine
Below, you can delve into the history of this wine — its producer, grape, area, and region.
Piedmont
Piedmont (which literally means "at the foot of the mountain") is located in northwestern Italy, surrounded by the Alps. It is considered one of the world's absolute most prestigious wine regions. The area is known for small, passionate, family-run wineries and a huge focus on terroir (how the soil and microclimate affect the wine).
Classic characteristics of Piedmont:
The royal wines: This is where the world-famous, complex and expensive red wines Barolo and Barbaresco come from (both made from 100% Nebbiolo).
Everyday heroes: In addition to Nebbiolo, the region is famous for the grapes Barbera (juicy, acidic and incredibly popular) and Dolcetto (dark, soft and fruity).
The white and sweet: Piedmont also makes the crisp white wine Gavi and the famous, lightly sparkling dessert bubbles Moscato d'Asti.
The landscape: Dramatic, steep hills – especially in the Langhe sub-area. The hills are often shrouded in thick morning mist in autumn, which protects the grapes and allows for a long, perfect ripening.
Gastronomy: An absolute mecca for food lovers. The area is world famous for the exclusive white truffles from Alba, hazelnuts and rich, simmered dishes that scream with a glass of local red wine.
When this wine was made, the world looked very different. Here are some of the stories that unfolded while this bottle quietly aged in its cellar.
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How it handles
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Storage
Store the bottle horizontally at 12–14°C and avoid direct sunlight, vibrations, and temperature fluctuations.
Opening
Allow the bottle to stand upright for 24–48 hours before opening to allow sediment to settle. Use a professional corkscrew and open carefully.
Enjoyment
Serve at 17–18°C and be patient – there is a great difference in how and how quickly wines open up when they are aerated.
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