BAROLO

SERGIO BARALE

Sergio Barale is one of the most respected producers of Barolo, producing long-lived wines of admirable balance. He crafts two bottlings of Barolo, one from the Castellero cru of Barolo and the other from Bussia in Monforte d'Alba. Both wines display beautiful aromatics, with the latter offering more intensity.

 

BUSSIA SOPRANA

A tiny estate in Monforte d'Alba that produces Barolo from several local crus, including Bussia, Mosconi and Vigna Colonello. The wines are deeply structured with great purity of fruit and the distinct earthiness of Monforte. Several older vintages of the Vigna Colonello (1999, 1998 and 1996) are superb.

 

CAVALLOTTO

The Cavallotto family produces traditional Barolo from its spectacular Bricco Boschis in Castiglione Falletto. Deeply concentrated with subtle oak and lovely spice, these wines drink well upon release and age beautifully. Look for the Riserva "Vigna San Giuseppe" and "Vignolo".

 

CERETTO

Great family estate that produces earthy, beautifully structured Barolo from sites such as Bricco Rocche in Castiglione Falletto and Prapo in Serralunga d'Alba. Long-lived wines that develop beautifully over time.

 

ALDO CONTERNO

Great wines from several sites in Monforte d'Alba such as Colonello, Cicala and Bussia. Deeply concentrated with expressive spice, these are lovely expressions of terroir. Some of the longest-lived examples of Barolo.

 

COGNO

Nadia Cogno and her husband Valter Fissore produce elegantly styled Barolo from the small commune of Novello in the southern reaches of the Barolo zone. Two splendid Barolos are made; the Ravera bottling has beautifully complex aromas of licorice, tobacco and spice cherry. The Barolo Vigna Elena (named for their daughter) is made from a single clone, Rosé, which is not often seen these days. The aromas here are seductive with beautiful notes of strawberry, currant and violets- this is a sexy wine!

 

CORDERO DI MONTEZEMOLO

Gorgeous estate just outside the town of La Morra. Bricco Gattera from this estate is superb with great structure; Enrico VI from Castiglione Falletto offers deep fruit and polished tannins. Regular Barolo known as Monfalletto is an excellent value.

 

FONTANAFREDDA

This historic estate has undergone a renaissance over the last decade, thanks in part to the work of winemaker Danilo Drocco. La Rosa is wonderfully elegant, while the Lazzarito La Delizia bottling is more tannic with fuller spice. The regular bottling from Serralunga d'Alba is also notable. If you are in the area, make sure you visit this winery, which has a beautiful tasting room.

Fontanafredda Estate, Serralunga d'Alba

 

ELIO GRASSO

This esteemed producer, located in Monforte d'Alba, produces beautifully structured, earthy, long-lived Barolo from his estate vineyards. Look for Vigna Casa Maté, Vigna Chiniera and Runcot, all of which are deeply concentrated. The track record here is impressive- every vintage is an excellent representation of that particular growing season.

 

MARCARINI

Another great traditional producer located in La Morra. Silky, complex, long-lived wines from the La Serra and Brunate vineyards. Proprietor Manuel Marchetti is one of the area's most gracious gentlemen.

 

BARTOLO MASCARELLO

A great traditionalist, Bartolo Mascarello passed away recently, earning great respect from his fellow Barolo producers. Only one wine, a blend of several vineyards, is produced each vintage and it is a first-rate example of what classic Barolo is all about - no barriques here!

 

RENATO RATTI

The late Renato Ratti was a much beloved figure in the Barolo area; his effort to map the finest vineyards was a great step in the education of these wines. Today his son Pietro runs this estate and produces wonderfully subtle, complex Barolos that beautifully display the local terroir of La Morra. The Rocche Marcenasco bottling is a superb wine that is all about the classic flavors of Barolo, made in a finesseful style.

 

RINALDI

Giuseppe Rinaldi (Beppe) is one of Barolo's best-loved producers. Two excellent Barolos are produced, both in a traditional style. The Brunate Le Coste displays the terroir of this site, while the Cannubi bottling is a bit lighter, but extremely elegant with polished tannins, beautiful purity of fruit and stylish spice.

 

PAOLO SCAVINO

Beautiful wines in a modern style with deeply concentrated fruit and silky tannins. Look for Carobric, a blend from several villages and the outstanding Rocche dell'Annunziata. The winemaking is impeccable.

 

VIETTI

Located in Castiglione Falletto, this estate releases three or four Barolos each year. Each bottling (Rocche, Brunate, Lazzarito) displays the true terroir of its site, thanks to excellent work in the vineyard and the creative winemaking of Luca Currado.

 

GIANNI VOERZIO

Only one Barolo from this estate- a sumptuous bottling from La Serra that displays ripe fruit and beautiful structure. Gianni Voerzio is one of the area's finest winemakers, be it with Nebbiolo, Dolcetto or Arneis.

 

ROBERTO VOERZIO

Brother of Gianni, Roberto produces as many as six different Barolos in a given year (Brunate, La Serra, Sarmassa, et al). The wines are modern with very ripe fruit and small French oak aging. Tremendously concentrated, these are meant for long-term cellaring.

 
Vineyards at La Morra with snow-capped Alps ib the background