Stefano Porro - Barolo Serralunga DOCG 2020

Aromas of ripe cherry, red fruit, roses, herbs, and subtle oriental spices. Layered and powerful on the palate, with lively acidity, firm yet ripe tannins, and a long, elegant finish. A characterful Barolo with freshness and depth.

Pairs well with gnocchi with Castelmagno, wild mushrooms, truffle, brasato, game, and aged cheeses. Also excellent with other rich dishes from Piedmontese cuisine. Serve at 17 °C.

Stefano’s grandfather inherited exactly one hectare in 1966. Since 2019, this hectare has been cultivated, pampered, and cherished by Stefano himself. This is where he grows the grapes for his Nebbiolo and Dolcetto wines.

The vineyard is 25 to 30 years old and nestles against the Brea Cru, which is managed entirely by the quality winery Brovia. The fruit for the Barbera comes from an old vineyard in Monforte owned by his uncle.

Work in the vineyard is done entirely by hand, with as little intervention as possible and, where feasible, organically and naturally. For example, dried blood, an organic fertilizer, is used to fertilize the soil. During the harvest, Stefano selects the grapes by hand himself. A first selection also takes place in August, during which an average of 40% of the fruit is pruned away.

In the wine cellar, work is also carried out as naturally as possible, without the addition of cultivated yeasts and with a light, manual pressing of the grapes. Stefano is currently still aging his Nebbiolo wines in tonneaux, but as soon as sufficient fruit is available, he plans to switch to traditional large botti for aging.

Stefano’s star is clearly on the rise. His wines are in high demand and, due to the small production, are scarce. Consequently, delivery is exclusively by order and via pre-subscription. Each year he increases his production a little. Eventually, he wants to grow to about 7,000 bottles per year. That is also the full capacity of the small winery.

Coming from Cerrati in Serralunga d’Alba, a relatively cool vineyard site. This location provides extra freshness and elegance, while Serralunga gives the wine its characteristic structure and depth.

Hand-harvested and strictly selected, followed by spontaneous fermentation without added yeasts. The Nebbiolo is aged in tonneaux, using the most natural and gentle approach possible to preserve the character of the wine and the vineyard.

The 2021 combines vibrant acidity and firm tannins with ripe red fruit and a powerful structure. Still young and has plenty of room to further develop. Can be kept until approximately 2040.