2020 Altare, E. - Barolo DOCG (750ml)

Elio Altare is remembered as one of the "Barolo Boys," the small group of winemakers who reshaped Piedmont's most traditional appellation in the 1980s by shortening macerations and turning to smaller French barrels in place of the old large casks. He took over his family's La Morra estate, founded by his grandfather Giuseppe in 1948, and spent years buying back parcels from relatives after breaking with his father over those very changes. The estate today is run by Elio's daughter, Silvia, who continues to farm without pesticides or synthetic chemicals.

This bottling draws Nebbiolo from four communes across the Barolo zone, including La Morra, Castiglione Falletto, and Serralunga d'Alba, blended to build complexity beyond any single vineyard. The grapes macerate on their skins in a rotary fermenter for four to five days at a controlled temperature, a technique that extracts color and fruit while easing back on harsh tannin. The wine then ages for two years in French oak barriques before further time settling in bottle.

In the glass it glows ruby red fading to garnet, with wild berries, violet, and dog rose on the nose alongside a touch of spice. The palate is warm and savory, fresh and mineral, with tannins that feel soft rather than gripping. Serve it with braised short rib, roasted game, or a well-aged pecorino.