2021 Barbera d'Alba Superiore

Paolo and Cristina Baudana are the couple behind the little gem La Contrada di Sorano in Serralunga, named after the village, where the vineyard belongs. While Cristina has previously made cheeses like Grana Padano and Gorgonzola, Paolo has worked for his father on the farm for several years, who at the time sold all the grapes to other estates. However, Paolo dreamed of making his own wine from the family’s excellent Cru vineyards, and after taking over the farm in 2013, the couple was able to release the family’s first vintage of Barolo in 2015.

Most of the domaine’s 2.5 hectares belong to Serralunga d’Alba planted with Barbera, Dolcetto, Favorita and Nebbiolo, some of which date back to the 1970s. The climate is relatively temperate and mild, but the many hills and valleys at different altitudes create a wide range of divergent microclimates.

In their very modest cellar, where 8-9,000 bottles are produced each year, Paolo & Cristina work meticulously and focused, while respecting traditions. Their Barolo goes through long macerations of 40-50 days depending on the vintage followed by ageing in 500-liter wooden casks for over two years. The classic style of La Contrada di Sorano’s is evident, but the juiciness and high drinkability of the wines is also a consistent theme.