Barolo Marchesi di Barolo 1966
Antichi Poderi dei Marchesi di Barolo is widely considered the historical cradle of modern Barolo. Located in the town of Barolo, the estate is deeply connected to the Falletti family, who in the early 19th century created the wine style known today. Marquise Giulia Falletti Colbert and her husband Carlo Tancredi Falletti transformed the local Nebbiolo grape from a sweet wine into a dry red wine, and the appellation itself bears the name of these former owners. After the Falletti dynasty ended in 1864, the estates were transferred to the charity Opera Pia Barolo, a historical detail noted on the bottle's label. In 1929, the Abbona family purchased the wine cellar, and today the estate is managed by the fifth and sixth generations, Ernesto, Anna, and Valentina Abbona. The winery's portfolio includes prestigious parcels such as Cannubi, Sarmassa, and Coste di Rose, and it still uses five of Marchesa Giulia's original 19th-century oak barrels.
The wine originates from the Barolo area within the Piedmont region of northwestern Italy. Piedmont, meaning "at the foot of the mountain," is surrounded by the Alps and is renowned for its dramatic, steep hills, particularly in the Langhe subregion southwest of Alba. The hills are frequently enveloped in thick autumn morning fog, which protects the grapes and ensures a long, perfect ripening period. The 1966 vintage from this area achieved a score of 88 points and is described as complex and fresh. The region is characterized by small, passionate wineries with a strong focus on how the soil and microclimate influence the wine.
This Denominazione di Origine Controllata wine is made entirely from Nebbiolo, an Italian top grape known for producing elegant wines with great structure. Nebbiolo is the defining grape of Barolo and is deeply tied to the terroir of Piedmont. The bottle features the coat of arms bearing the motto "EX VITE VITA" and references the Grand Prix awarded to the estate in Vienna in 1873. The wine was produced and bottled in the zone of origin by Cantine dei Marchesi di Barolo, with label illustrations highlighting the historic areas of Barolo and Serralunga d'Alba.
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.
You are in safe hands
100% authentic bottles
All bottles undergo a thorough authenticity test by our certified sommeliers before being offered for sale. We reject bottles we are unsure about.
Thorough quality check
Cork, capsule, fill level, label condition, and provenance are individually documented for each bottle. A physical certificate is included with every purchase.
60-day return policy
We are confident in the quality of our wines, and you as a buyer should be too. Return any unopened bottle within 60 days for a full refund — no questions asked.
4.7 on Trustpilot
277 customers have shared their experience. From the first email to the bottle arriving safely – we take pride in making a difference from start to finish.
How it handles
you your wine
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.
GUIDE TO THE GOOD WINE EXPERIENCE
We will help you throughout the journey. Here you can read our guide on how to treat the wine. If you have any questions, you are always welcome to write or call us.
Our customers say it best!
Based on 247 reviews