Polished Barolos from coveted sites
Fratelli Alessandria are on a roll; we've been delighted to watch the way public acclaim and critical appreciation have been catching up with one of our favourite Barolo producers. This traditionalist cantina has roots deep in the 19th century, and the Alessandrias make elegant, polished and ageworthy Barolos from top sites both in their home village of Verduno, and further afield.
In 2017, for the first time ever, the Alessandrias have reworked the blend of their classic Barolo so that it comes exclusively from Verduno fruit. Traditionally known as the sentinel of the Langhe, the village of Verduno is closely linked to the 19th century creation of Barolo. It stands at the north of the region, perched above the River Tanaro, looking out towards Roero. The moderating influence of the river expresses itself in the wines; the Barolos of Verduno are known for their finesse and complexity, and come in an elegant, spicy, floral style.
2017 saw a vintage of contrasts, with higher-than-average temperatures for most of the season, then a cooler-than-average autumn. It was a vintage that demanded attention in the vineyard and a delicate touch in the winery, which was handy, because those have always been Fratelli Alessandria hallmarks. Their 2017s are perfumed, supple and exquisite. The Barolo di Verduno offers a very pure expression of village character, sunny and deft, full of rose petal and red cherry notes. San Lorenzo is a little more structured, a little spicier, but still with those exquisite rose and red fruit aromatics. Gramolere does not come from Verduno, but Monforte d'Alba, where the wines are typically fuller-bodied; it marries bramble and mint, orange and red fruit notes in a joyful, beguiling blend. /NT
Offered subject to remaining unsold; available winter 2021
