Luigi Pira - Barolo Marenca DOCG 2020

Aromas of wild berries, red cherry, roses, aromatic herbs and subtle notes of cocoa and liquorice. Powerful and layered on the palate, with vibrant acidity, ripe tannins and a long, refined finish. An impressive Barolo with great depth.

Wonderful with ribeye with roasted celeriac, oven-roasted leg of lamb, and venison stew. Also delicious with pappardelle with mushrooms, risotto with Parmesan, and an aged mountain cheese. Serve at 17 °C.

From the terrace of winemaker Gianpaolo Pira, you have a magnificent view over two historic Serralunga crus, from which Pira crafts his Barolo Marenca and Margheria. A little further on, the slope of the legendary cru Vigna Rionda is visible—another (in this case world-famous) vineyard from which Pira produces a Barolo.

Founder, namesake, and father Luigi Pira, who sadly passed away in 2021, had been growing grapes in and around Serralunga for decades. These were sold to the large wine houses in Alba until he began bottling under his own label in the 1980s, placing quality at the forefront. In the early nineties, his son Gianpaolo continued this approach, with "drinkability" and even higher quality as his main focus.

Under his own label, Pira produces a classic and high-quality Piedmontese line of red wines. In addition to being a winemaker, Gianpaolo is a fervent (white) truffle hunter, a good friend, and the face of the company. He runs the cellar, while his brothers Romolo and Claudio are generally found working the land.

Pira's Barolos are a guarantee of quality and character. They are a reflection of the Pira family’s Serralunghese roots.

Pira works in a fairly modern way and uses both small and large oak barrels to age his Barolo Vigna Rionda and Marenca. The other Barolos are aged exclusively in large barrels (botti). At Pira, they carefully assess what the grape needs to produce the best possible Barolo, one that reflects its origin as accurately as possible.

As mentioned, these are wines full of character, depth, and structure: every glass is a voyage of discovery. Much like the Piedmontese people, Pira’s Barolos need a little time to open up and show their best side. But as soon as the wine has been swirled in your glass for a while, you are doubly rewarded with a wine that stands like a house.

Originating from Marenca in Serralunga d’Alba, a small, steep MGA with a south to south-westerly exposure on limestone and clay-rich soils. The vineyard is known for Barolos with power, concentration, and exceptional aging potential.

Traditionally vinified in stainless steel tanks with approximately 18–20 days of skin maceration. The wine is then aged for 24 months: the first year in 500-liter French tonneaux and the second year in large Slavonian oak barrels.

The 2021 combines a high concentration with fresh acidity and powerful, ripe tannins. Still young, but with excellent development potential. Can be kept until approximately 2043–2046.