Fratelli Alessandria - Barolo di Commune di Verduno 2020

At the northern edge of the Barolo zone, the sun-bleached, sandstone homes in the village of Verduno glow in the soft morning light. A cool breeze from the river Tanaro rustles the leaves of oak trees that border south-facing vineyards, soaking up the sun’s early rays.

The Alessandria family since the mid-19th century has called this gentle landscape home. In 1870, when the family first established their farm, calling it Fratelli Alessandria, Verduno was the center of Barolo winemaking—it was here where families first crafted dry Nebbiolo wines in the style we know today, and also bottled wines individually instead of shipping in cask. Because of this, the village was internationally recognized as the face of Barolo and sought out by collectors across the European continent.

Today Verduno is experiencing a renaissance, and it is the “brothers” Alessandria who are guiding the wines of Verduno back to the heights they once held. It is of course a family affair—the brothers Gian Battista and Alessandro, and Alessandro’s son, Vittore, are the stewards of this generations-old estate.

What Verduno gives is exactly what we crave in our Barolo wines: complexity without heaviness, structure with finesse. The Alessandria family provides a “mirror to the landscape,” Vittore says, respecting the history of their forefathers yet “looking ahead” to ensure that what’s in each bottle reflects the true essence of Barolo from Verduno.

Hand-harvested. Destemmed; fermented on indigenous yeasts in steel tank. Aged for 3 years in Slavonian and French oak casks (20-40HL); 2 months in tank and then 6 months in bottle. Unfined and unfiltered.

"Bright ruby in color, the 2020 Barolo Del Comune Di Verduno is fresh with aromas of sweet red strawberries, fresh orange, a hint of pepper, and dried earth. Its freshness and elegance continue on the palate, where this medium-bodied red offers fine tannins, balance, and finesse, with a clean, refined feel of strawberry and spice. A beautiful wine, it’s going to drink well over the coming 10 years.” - 93 Points, Jeb Dunnuck

"A rich red, with a mineral and structural underpinning to its cherry, plum, menthol, rose hip and earth flavors. Taut and well-delineated, this is driven by vibrant acidity. Though compact, the aftertaste echoes both the fruit and savory elements.” - 93 Points, Wine Spectator

Producer: Fratelli Alessandria

Country: Italy

Region: Piedmont

Varietal: Nebbiolo

Appellation: Barolo

Vintage: 2020

Size: 750ml