Luciano Sandrone Barolo ‘Vite Talin’ 2020

Luciano Sandrone’s story is one of remarkable ambition built from modest beginnings. With no inherited vineyards, he developed his skills working in the cellars of Marchesi di Barolo before purchasing his first parcel in Cannubi Boschis in 1977. The following year, supported by his wife Mariuccia, he made his first Barolo in the garage of his parents’ home. Just 1,500 bottles were produced—a small beginning for a producer who would become one of Piedmont’s defining names.

International recognition followed when an American buyer discovered his inaugural 1978 Barolo at Vinitaly and purchased the production. Luciano continued refining an approach that respected Nebbiolo’s origins while exploring ways to achieve greater purity, balance, and finesse. His wines helped shape modern Barolo, combining generous fruit and carefully managed tannins with the structure and complexity needed for long aging. 

Family has remained central to the estate’s development. Luciano’s younger brother Luca became an essential partner in the vineyards, while his daughter Barbara, involved in the business since 1989, took on an increasingly important role in its management and international relationships. Following Luciano’s death in January 2023, Barbara and Luca have continued his work alongside the established team, with grandchildren Alessia and Stefano also involved in the family estate. 

The winery is based in Barolo, with vineyards extending across the Langhe and neighboring Roero. Two celebrated Barolos illustrate its understanding of place. Aleste, the continuation of Cannubi Boschis, expresses the character of Luciano’s foundational vineyard; renamed beginning with the 2013 vintage, it joins the names of his grandchildren, ALEssia and STEfano. Le Vigne, first produced in 1990, follows Barolo’s tradition of blending vineyards from different villages, with each parcel harvested, fermented, and aged separately before blending. Together, they capture the estate’s enduring interests: the individuality of a cherished vineyard and the complementary voices of the wider Barolo landscape. 

Vite Talin is a wine born through the careful custody and protection of nature's true and vital expression. Luciano is a curious man, receptive to miracles and surprises, loyal to his land but above all humble and thus patient. A tireless observer, an unstoppable experimenter, an attentive and courageous defender, Luciano probes and interrogates Mother Nature, then accepts, treasures and cultivates her gifts.

"One of the most creative expressions from the celebrated Luciano Sandrone estate is the beautiful 2020 Barolo Vite Talin. This wine marries the remarkable discovery of a unique Nebbiolo clone with the winemaking expertise of one of Barolo's leading estates. First introduced with the 2013 vintage, it remains a relatively recent addition to the portfolio and continues to stand apart stylistically. The 2020 edition offers dark fruit, plum, blackberry preserves, spice and toasted hazelnut, delivered with notable concentration and depth. The tannins are especially prominent in this vintage, requiring more time to unwind and integrate. Although additional bottle age will certainly bring greater harmony, I suspect the 2020 will always remain somewhat firmer and more astringent in personality." - 95+ Points, Robert Parker's Wine Advocate

"A saturated red, almost opaque color, the 2020 Barolo Vite Talin is deep and becomes more pure in the glass as it opens, with aromas of licorice, sage, rosemary, and charred earth. It is the most muscular and rich, with great power and length, moving assertively but evenly throughout the palate." - 97 Points, Jeb Dunnuck

"The 2020 Barolo Vite Talin is fabulous. It’s the most refined Vite Talin so far. Layered and expressive, the 2020 possesses remarkable depth from start to finish. Even so, the 2020 is quite reticent, something I believe will be a positive for its long-term prospects. Dark cherry fruit, new leather, cinnamon, rose petal and cedar slowly emerge from the glass. Readers who can find it are in for a tremendous treat. The huge mid-palate, richness and overall intensity are viscerally thrilling. The Vite Talin spent two years in 500-liter tonneaux and a third year in cask, as is the norm for this bottling." - 98 Points, Vinous

Producer: Luciano Sandrone

Country: Italy

Region: Piedmont

Varietal: Nebbiolo

Appellation: Barolo

Vintage: 2020

Size: 750ml