Date of visit: October 19, 2022
About the Producer & Our Visit to Fratelli Alessandria
Situated in the picturesque village of Verduno, home of the famed Monvigliero MGA, sits the Fratelli Alessandria estate. The estate’s cellars have been used for wine production since 1830, which is 30 years before the creation of Barolo wine. Ever since their earliest days, Fratelli Alessandria has been the recipient of countless prestigious awards and praise from critics. Today, the estate is owned and operated by Giovan Battista Alessandria, his wife Flavia, brother Alessandro, and son Vittore. The family produces wine from Langhe’s indigenous grape varieties, such as; Favorita, Dolcetto, Barbera, Pelaverga, and Nebbiolo. The family owns 15 hectares in prime sites, most of which is located in Verduno, though they also have a parcel in the Gramolere MGA in Monforte d’Alba.
Vittore was an incredibly kind host who opened several of his magnificent wines to share with us. We visited during harvest so our tour of the cellars was brief, but breathtaking, and we managed to take a couple of photos. Our tasting notes are below.
Tasting Notes
2021 Verduno Pelaverga “Speziale”: Vineyards are located in Verduno. Fermentation takes place in stainless steel, and maturation is completed in stainless steel and cement, never in wood. Captivating aromas of pine, rosemary, white pepper, and juicy red berries. Flavors of crushed red berries, and a hint of pepper. The palate is very fresh, with soaring acidity, a silky smooth mouthfeel, and a weightless presence. Such a pleasure to drink, a beautiful example of one of our favorite grape varieties.
2021 Barbera d’Alba: Fermentation takes place in stainless steel, and maturation is completed in stainless steel and/or cement, never in wood. Aromas of crushed juicy red berries along with a hint of new leather, which carries over to the palate, along with some flavors of licorice. High acidity with a very light, almost weightless mouthfeel.
2020 Langhe Nebbiolo “Prinsiòt”: Vittore explained to us that this wine is crafted to be a Langhe Nebbiolo, not a baby Barolo, in the sense that it’s meant to be approachable and enjoyable in its youth, and we think they’ve done a beautiful job with this. Aromas of crushed cranberries and strawberries, along with rose petals. The palate is very smooth, easy drinking, and light, with fine, beautifully integrated tannins, filled with flavors of crushed tart red cherries, cranberries, raspberries, and strawberries. Very approachable and enjoyable now.
2018 Barolo del Comune di Verduno: Vittore told us that this is currently the only “Barolo del Comune di Verduno” that he knows of. This designation indicates that the wine is produced from a blend of vineyard sites all of which are located in Verduno. Other Barolo which are produced from 100% Verduno grown Nebbiolo represent a single vineyard such as Monvigliero for example. An expressive nose filled with aromas of crushed red berries, rose petals, tar, leather, resin, rubber, as well as some licorice and anise. Flavors of crushed cranberries, cherries, and white pepper, with vibrant acidity and fine tannins. Very approachable and enjoyable now, but will likely also mature beautifully for years to come.
2018 Barolo Monvigliero: Produced from Nebbiolo grown in the renowned Monvigliero MGA. Classic Nebbiolo aromas of tar and roses rise from the glass, which carry over to the palate along with flavors of licorice, leather, cranberries and tart red cherry juice, alongside velvety fine tannins. Manages to be elegant, yet masculine at the same time. Very approachable and enjoyable today, and will without a doubt be a joy to drink in years to come as it matures.
2018 Barolo Gramolere: Produced from Nebbiolo grown in the Gramolere MGA, located in Monforte d’Alba. Tar, roses, mushrooms, anise and vegetal notes on the nose. The palate is structured and has great aging potential, yet manages to be very approachable and enjoyable today. Flavors of tart cherry juice accompanied by an earthiness, alongside lively acidity and super fine grained tannins that are beautifully integrated. Persistent finish.
Thank You
Thank you Vittore and everyone at Fratelli Alessandria for welcoming us to your estate and sharing your wines with us. Your wines are incredible! We hope to see you again very soon. Grazie mille!
Citations
Barolo and Barbaresco: The King and Queen of Italian Wine by Kerin O’Keefe
https://www.fratellialessandria.it/
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