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Brezza Barolo Sarmassa 2021

$9999

Brezza remains one of Piedmont's great undiscovered gems. The family has been in the village of Barolo since 1885, and current proprietor Enzo Brezza trained with both his father and his godfather, the legendary Bartolo Mascarello, adopting the traditional approach: organic farming, spontaneous fermentation, long macerations, and aging in large Slavonian oak casks. Where Brezza departs from the Mascarello playbook is in bottling three single-vineyard Crus rather than blending, and in a style that's a touch softer and more forward—Barolo tannins balanced by ripe fruit. Sarmassa is the muscular one: west-facing slopes in the commune of Barolo producing a rich, virile wine of serious punch. The 2021 vintage is a classical Piedmont year, structured and built for the long haul.

Shipping

Every step of the journey is managed to uphold the integrity of each bottle.

  • Nationwide Access: Flat-rate shipping available to most U.S. states with delivery in 3-5 business days.
  • Temperature-Monitored Shipping: We closely monitor weather conditions and make informed decisions to ensure shipments travel safely, with insulated packaging and refrigerated transport available when required.
  • Wine-Specific Protective Packaging: Specialized materials designed to maintain label integrity and prevent breakage during transit.
  • Provenance Assured: All wines are maintained in climate-controlled conditions at our shop until the moment of dispatch.

Returns & Exchanges

We stand behind every bottle we sell.

  • If the wine is less than 10 years old and it is corked, you may return it to us for a full refund or exchange within 60 days of purchase. You must show us proof of purchase. We understand that you may not live near a shop and that it is difficult to ship open bottles of wine to us, so if there's any problem feel free to Contact Us and we'll work it out.
  • For wines older than 10 years, the consumer bears the risk of a faulty cork, but we accept returns of older bottles if the wine is faulty as a result of improper storage. Please come by the store or Contact Us if there is a problem.
  • We may, at our discretion and to the extent permitted by law, accept returns of unopened wines within 30 days of purchase if they were properly stored by the purchaser, subject to a 15% re-stocking fee.

View our complete return policy →

Have Questions?

Our team is here to help.

Hours

Monday - Friday: 11am - 8pm

Saturday: 12pm - 5pm

CLOSED SUNDAYS

Email: help@flatiron-wines.com
Phone: (415) 780-1405


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Antonio Galloni

94 points

"The 2021 Barolo Sarmassa is a dark, imposing wine. Black cherry, lavender, cloves, new leather, incense and licorice add to an impression of virile power. This somber, deep Barolo has a lot to offer once the tannins soften. Shades of its power, breadth and textural resonance start to open with time in the glass. The Sarmassa is a wine for readers who can wait." —Antonio Galloni

Robert Parker

95 points

"The Brezza 2021 Barolo Sarmassa shows natural plumpness with pretty fruit, damson plum and fragrant rose. This Barolo delivers a little more richness and volume compared to the other wines in this organic portfolio. You get extra contouring and layering with the Sarmassa, with a pretty hint of sweet cherry to close. Sarmassa enjoys western and southwestern exposures." —Monica Larner

Wine Enthusiast

98 points

"From the legendary Sarmassa cru comes a profound expression that demands contemplation. The reserved initial profile unfolds like ancient tea leaves steeped in blood orange essence, revealing layers of complexity. Dried cherries seem awakened spiced and rehydrated while potpourri notes add ethereal lift. The palate moves with measured grace, each element in perfect alignment, revealing the true nobility of Nebbiolo. Here is power clothed in silk, depth without weight, a wine that speaks of place with crystalline clarity. A masterwork that reminds us why Barolo can move the soul. Drink Now until forever." —Jeff Porter

Kerin O'Keefe

97 points

"From the cru located on the opposite side of the Barolo ridge from Cannubi that has a warmer microclimate and clay and silt soils, the 2021 Sarmassa has intense aromas of dark spice, wild berry, camphor and a whiff of botanical herb. Full-bodied and intense, the palate features ripe Morello cherry, licorice, blood orange and a hint recalling almond liqueur accompanied by tightly-knit, refined tannins. Fresh acidity keeps it balanced. What a gorgeous wine and a great expression of this vineyard site. Drink 2031–2041." —Kerin O'Keefe

More about Brezza

While we are fortunate that the fashion for big & bold, flashy & opulent has seen its day in Barolo, that doesn't mean that every traditionally made Barolo manages to achieve the harmony and elegance that we seek—but Brezza delivers.

The wines from this address have always been good, but they've become truly fine in recent years. Enzo is the driving force behind the huge step up in quality that this old estate has taken in the past decade or so, as well as their conversion to organic viticulture. He makes unfailingly honest and delicate wines of purpose.

Brezza's wines are all from hand-harvested estate fruit and are fermented spontaneously with indigenous yeasts. The Baroli are aged in 3,000L untoasted Slavonian oak botti. None of the wines are fined or filtered. The results are classic beauties of red fruit and charm.

Wine Details

  • Grape Variety

    Nebbiolo

  • Vintage

    2021

  • Size

    750ml

  • Farming Practice

    Organic

  • Style

    Minerally

  • Sweetness

    Dry

  • Body

    Full Bodied

Flatiron's Take

From the Importer

Tasting Notes & Food Pairings

Perfect Pairings

Brasato al Barolo; roast leg of lamb with rosemary; aged Parmigiano; braised short ribs; wild mushroom risotto.

Tasting Profile

Black cherry, lavender, spice, menthol, licorice, and sage. Full-bodied and powerful with firm tannins and a long, mineral finish.

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