2012 Sandrone: between tradition and modernity

29 Sep 2016

Luciano and Barbara Sandrone

Between tradition and modernity

It is common to classify the big names of Barolo by whether their winemaking is traditional or modern, but Sandrone like to think of themselves as bridging the gap. This is a first generation winery; in 1977 Luciano Sandrone bought a small patch of the Cannubi vineyard, and has been gradually adding to it ever since. He made his first wines in his parents' garage.

From humble beginnings have come great things. The Sandrone Cannubi Boschis was one of the first Italian wines ever to get 100 Parker points, and remains Sandrone's flagship bottling. But the blended Barolo Le Vigne is almost every bit as special - Luciano argues that in some vintages it is even better than his Cannubi Boschis. And then there is the Nebbiolo d'Alba Valmaggiore, a distinct exploration of terroir and Nebbiolo from Roero, tending towards a lighter but still structured style.

2012 has brought suppleness and freshness to the Sandrone Barolos. Sometimes unapproachable in youth, in this vintage they are as elegant as ever but already alluring. /NT

Offered subject to confirmation for shipment autumn 2017