The small village of Verduno is the home of Pelaverga, but less than a dozen local producers have stayed true to Verduno’s special grape. It’s this sun-bleached hamlet, kissed by the breezes coming off the river Tanaro, that the Alessandria family calls home.
The Alessandria "brothers" have been farming grapes and making Barolo in the ancient village of Verduno since the 1800's. Indeed they and some of their neighbors were among the very first to bottle the dry, complex and age-worthy Nebbiolo that Barolo is now famous for. Today, the actual brothers are Gian Battista and Alessandro, with Alessandro's son Vittore increasingly at the helm, and they work together much the same as their familly has for generations.
Farming is crucial: they use organic principles in all of their 30 hectares of vineyards.
Professional Reviews
Robert Parker
RP95
"The 2015 Barolo Gramolere (with fruit from Monforte d'Alba) opens to a medium-dark ruby color. When you put the wine to your lips, you immediately feel the power, structure and inner fiber of Nebbiolo as interpreted in this two-hectare parcel with its 30-year-old vines. In fact, this wine is defined by that immediate firmness. The aromas, however, are softer and more yielding with forest fruit, wild berry, crushed slate and blue flower. I would suggest putting this wine aside for five more years at least."
Decanter
D92
"This is a leading and historic Verduno estate, renowned for its Monvigliero and San Lorenzo bottlings. It also produces a fine, traditionally-aged Gramolere from Monforte, and in 2015 it displays a light smokiness on the nose alongside delicate, finessed red fruits. The palate is sleek and fresh, silky and persistent, with fine-grained tannins and welcome piquancy."
Wine Enthusiast
WE93
"Wild berries, purple flowers, dark spices and a whiff of camphor take shape in the glass. On the taut palate, tightly wound, fine-grained tannins support dried cherry, blood orange, licorice and tobacco. It's still youthfully austere, so give it a few more years to unwind and fully develop."
