Damilano Cannubi Barolo – Where Piedmont Nobility Meets Hawaiian Paradise

Updated → September 2025

Experience the pinnacle of Italian winemaking with Damilano Cannubi Barolo, a prestigious Nebbiolo from Barolo's most celebrated vineyard. This exceptional wine showcases 130+ years of family winemaking tradition, delivering complex layers of cherry, rose, and spice that evolve magnificently over decades.

The Cannubi Mystique

Antonio Galloni once declared Barolo's Cannubi vineyard "among the most precious vineyards anywhere in the world," placing it alongside Napa's To Kalon and Burgundy's Le Chambertin. This isn't hyperbole—it's recognition of a site that has defined excellence since the 18th century. The Damilano Cannubi Barolo represents the apex of this legendary terroir, crafted by a family that controls more than half of this precious vineyard.

The magic of Cannubi lies not just in its history but in its unique position as the only location in Barolo featuring both Tortonian marl and chalky, iron-rich Helvetian soils. This geological intersection creates wines of extraordinary complexity, manifesting both the graceful and muscular aspects of Barolo's soul. When you pour a glass of Damilano Cannubi Barolo, you're experiencing the liquid expression of this rare terroir convergence.

The Damilano Dynasty

The Damilano story begins in 1890 when Giuseppe Borgogno started cultivating and vinifying grapes in the municipality of Barolo. This wasn't just another wine venture—it was the foundation of what would become one of Piedmont's most respected estates. Giuseppe transformed the family operation into what locals called a "jewel" of the Langhe area, implementing revolutionary vinification techniques that elevated quality standards across the region.

The winery took its current name through Giacomo Damilano, Giuseppe's son-in-law, who married into the family and brought fresh vision to the estate. Under Giacomo's leadership, the property expanded its Cannubi holdings, ultimately securing the largest share of this coveted vineyard—a position the family maintains today. In 1997, the torch passed to Giuseppe's grandchildren Paolo, Mario, and Guido, who have masterfully balanced tradition with innovation, ensuring each bottle of Damilano Cannubi Barolo honors both heritage and contemporary excellence.

Where Two Soils Meet

The Cannubi vineyard's geological uniqueness cannot be overstated. The Tortonian marl provides elegance and aromatics, contributing the classic tar and roses notes that define great Barolo. Meanwhile, the Helvetian soils, rich in iron and chalk, add structure, minerality, and that distinctive metallic edge that wine enthusiasts describe as "ferrous" or "blood-like." This duality appears in every vintage of Damilano Cannubi Barolo, creating wines that dance between power and finesse.

The vineyard sits at approximately 250-300 meters elevation, with predominantly south-facing exposures that ensure optimal ripening even in challenging vintages. The Damilano family farms two hectares of Nebbiolo vines here, some reaching 78 years of age. These old vines contribute concentration and complexity that younger plantings simply cannot match, producing yields naturally restricted to intensify flavor development.

Vintage Variations & Value

Understanding vintage variation is crucial when selecting Damilano Cannubi Barolo. The 2016 vintage earned widespread acclaim, with critics noting its perfect balance between ripeness and acidity—a classic expression scoring consistently in the 93-point range. The 2018 vintage brought more power and concentration, with Wine Advocate awarding 94 points and noting its "bright and lively expression with wild fruit and cassis over a tight and elegant mouthfeel."

The 2019 vintage represents exceptional value, combining the elegance of 2016 with the concentration of 2018. James Suckling awarded it 95 points, praising its "captivating aromas of roses, cherries, strawberries and fresh oranges" and predicting peak drinking from 2025 through 2043. Market prices typically range from $80 to $170 depending on vintage and retailer, with older vintages commanding premiums as they become increasingly rare.

The Tasting Journey

Opening a bottle of Damilano Cannubi Barolo is an exercise in patience and revelation. Initial aromas might seem shy, particularly in younger vintages, but give the wine thirty minutes in a decanter and watch it transform. The bouquet unfolds in layers: first come the primary fruit notes of cherry and strawberry, then secondary aromas of rose petals and violets emerge, followed by tertiary complexity of leather, tobacco, and that distinctive tar note that marks great Nebbiolo.

On the palate, the wine delivers what Wine Spectator describes as "pure rose and cherry themes supported by vibrant acidity and refined tannins." The texture is where Damilano Cannubi Barolo truly excels—silky yet substantial, with tannins that grip without overwhelming. The finish extends for minutes, revealing new flavors with each passing second: licorice, espresso, white pepper, and that iron-rich minerality that speaks to Cannubi's unique terroir.

Critics' Consensus

Professional critics consistently award Damilano Cannubi Barolo scores in the 91-95 point range, with many vintages achieving that coveted 94+ threshold that signals exceptional quality. Decanter World Wine Awards granted the 2018 vintage a remarkable 97 points, noting its "polished wine with charming layers of fruit and complexity." Wine Enthusiast praised the same vintage's "ripe black-skinned fruit, menthol, leather and tobacco" aromatics, while highlighting the "taut close-grained tannins that grip the close."

Understanding Barolo's Hierarchy

Within Barolo's classification system, Cannubi occupies the pinnacle position among the eleven official crus recognized in 2010. While other prestigious sites like Brunate, Cerequio, and Rocche dell'Annunziata produce exceptional wines, Cannubi holds special historical significance as the first vineyard to appear on a Barolo label in 1752. This heritage, combined with its unique soil composition, justifies the premium pricing of Damilano Cannubi Barolo compared to the estate's other offerings.

The Competitor Landscape

Several producers craft Cannubi Barolo, but few match Damilano's combination of vineyard holdings and generational expertise. Marchesi di Barolo, Chiarlo Michele, and Brezza all produce noteworthy expressions, yet Damilano's control of over half the vineyard gives them unparalleled selection options. They can choose the best parcels and oldest vines for their flagship Damilano Cannubi Barolo, reserving younger vine fruit for their Barolo DOCG bottlings.

When compared to other premium Nebbiolo expressions, Damilano Cannubi Barolo offers exceptional value. Single-vineyard Barolos from producers like Giuseppe Rinaldi or Bartolo Mascarello often command significantly higher prices, while Barbaresco equivalents from Gaja can reach stratospheric levels. Damilano strikes a sweet spot between prestige and accessibility.

Strategic Cellaring

Proper cellaring transforms Damilano Cannubi Barolo from excellent to transcendent. Young vintages benefit from 5-7 years of bottle age before reaching initial drinking windows, while peak maturity typically arrives between years 10-20. The wine's high acidity and robust tannin structure ensure longevity, with well-stored bottles from strong vintages remaining vibrant for 30+ years.

Storage conditions prove critical: maintain consistent temperatures between 55-58°F, humidity around 70%, and complete darkness. Hawaii's tropical climate presents challenges, making professional storage or high-quality wine refrigeration essential for long-term aging. Position bottles horizontally to keep corks moist, and avoid vibration that can disturb sediment formation.

Pairing Philosophy

The complex flavor profile of Damilano Cannubi Barolo demands equally sophisticated cuisine. Traditional pairings include white truffle risotto, brasato al Barolo (beef braised in Barolo), and aged hard cheeses like Parmigiano-Reggiano. The wine's tannic structure and acidity cut through rich, fatty dishes while its aromatic complexity complements earthy, umami-rich ingredients.

Modern interpretations expand the pairing possibilities. Consider A4 wagyu beef with mushroom rice, as served at NYC's Michelin-starred Atomix, where the wine's sanguine notes harmonize with the beef's richness. Hawaiian fusion creates unexpected magic: try pairing with kalua pig, where smoke and earth notes mirror the wine's tertiary characteristics, or venison laulau, where the gamey meat meets its match in Nebbiolo's wild, untamed character.

The Hawaiian Connection

Hawaii's sophisticated wine culture embraces Italian nobility, and Damilano Cannubi Barolo finds appreciative audiences from Honolulu's fine dining establishments to private cellars in Kahala and Hawaii Kai. The wine's elegance suits special occasions—from intimate dinners at Alan Wong's to celebrations at La Mer. Its complexity rewards contemplation during sunset tastings overlooking Diamond Head or paired with locally-sourced ingredients at farmers market dinners.

Investment Perspective

Beyond immediate enjoyment, Damilano Cannubi Barolo represents sound investment potential. Historical price trends show consistent appreciation, particularly for highly-rated vintages. The 2010 vintage, initially released around $70, now commands $120+ at auction. Limited production—approximately 40,000 bottles annually—ensures scarcity as vintages mature.

Cannubi's status as Barolo's most prestigious vineyard provides downside protection during market corrections. As global recognition of Barolo continues growing, particularly in Asian markets, demand for benchmark producers like Damilano strengthens. Consider purchasing cases of highly-rated vintages upon release, enjoying some bottles during their evolution while holding others for peak maturity or eventual resale.

Serving Secrets

Maximizing enjoyment of Damilano Cannubi Barolo requires attention to service details. Decant younger vintages (under 10 years) for 2-3 hours before serving, allowing aggressive tannins to soften and aromas to develop. Older vintages need gentler treatment—30-60 minutes maximum to separate sediment without losing delicate tertiary notes.

Temperature proves crucial: serve at 60-65°F, slightly cooler than typical red wine service. This temperature range highlights the wine's aromatic complexity while maintaining structural balance. Use large Burgundy-style glasses that concentrate aromas while providing sufficient surface area for aeration. Pour modest amounts, allowing guests to swirl and appreciate the wine's evolution in the glass.

Authenticity Markers

Given Damilano Cannubi Barolo's prestige, understanding authenticity markers protects against counterfeits. Genuine bottles feature the DOCG neck strip (fascetta) with unique serial numbers. Labels should display crisp printing with embossed elements and the specific "Cannubi" designation—not "Cannubi Boschis" or other sub-zones. The heavy bottle weight mentioned by critics serves as another indicator, as Damilano uses premium glass for their cru selections.

Purchase Guidance

When ready to acquire Damilano Cannubi Barolo, consider vintage, storage history, and intended consumption timeline. For immediate enjoyment, seek vintages from 2010-2015 that have developed initial maturity. For cellaring, focus on recent highly-rated vintages like 2016, 2018, or 2019 that offer decades of aging potential. Purchase from reputable retailers who can verify proper storage conditions, particularly important in Hawaii's climate.