Luigi Pira - Barolo Vigna Rionda DOCG 2019

Aromas of red cherry, wild berries, violets, undergrowth, and rhubarb. Elegant and powerful on the palate, with silky tannins, vibrant acidity, and a very long, refined finish. An exceptionally complete Barolo with great finesse and depth.

Pairs beautifully with slow-cooked lamb shoulder, jugged hare, and roasted duck breast with celeriac. Also excellent with porcini mushroom risotto, pumpkin-filled ravioli with sage butter, or an aged Toma Piemontese. Serve at 17 °C.

From the terrace of winemaker Gianpaolo Pira, you have a magnificent view over two historic crus of Serralunga, where Pira produces his Barolo Marenca and Margheria. A little further on, you can still see the slope of the legendary cru Vigna Rionda, 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 major wineries in Alba until he began bottling under his own label in the 1980s, prioritizing quality above all else. In the early 1990s, his son Gianpaolo continued this approach, with "drinkability" and even higher quality as his main focus.

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

Pira's Barolos are a guarantee of quality and character. They are a reflection of the Pira family’s Serralunga 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 only in large barrels (botti). At Pira, they pay very close attention to what the grape needs to create 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 journey of discovery. Much like the Piedmontese people, Pira’s Barolos need a little time to open up and show their best side. But once the wine has been swirled in your glass for a while, you are doubly rewarded with a wine that stands like a rock.

Sourced from Vigna Rionda in Serralunga d’Alba, one of Barolo’s most prestigious MGAs. Pira’s plot is situated slightly lower and further west on the slope. The calcareous soil and location give the wine power, freshness, and a distinct minerality.

Traditionally/modernly made with approximately 20 days of fermentation and a medium-long maceration. For Vigna Rionda, Pira uses both small and large oak, with a combination of French barrique and large wooden vats (botte). The aging supports the structure without overpowering the character of the vineyard.

The 2021 combines deep concentration with vibrant acidity and polished tannins. A very strong combination of producer, vineyard, and vintage. Still young, but with excellent development potential. Well worth cellaring until approximately 2042–2046.