Fratelli Alessandria
Verduno | Piedmont
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.
The family’s 30 acres of vineyards are located in Verduno and Monforte d’Alba, with a focus on Nebbiolo; other grape varieties include Dolcetto, Barbera and the rare Pelaverga, a grape native to Verduno and grown only in the region. White grape varieties include Favorita and Chardonnay.
Local soils are called “marne di Sant’Agata,” a mix of sand and clay with a high proportion of limestone, unique to Verduno. Vineyards are farmed according to organic practices, but the estate is not certified.
Grapes are harvested by hand, are destemmed and fermented on indigenous yeasts in temperature-controlled, stainless steel tanks. Wines are aged in the family’s 19th-century underground cellar, which maintains a constant temperature of 52-62 degrees Fahrenheit and 80% humidity, in older Slavonian and French oak casks (20-40HL).
Langhe Favorita
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Dolcetto d'Alba
How can you not fall for a berry called the “little sweet one?” Dolcetto ripens early and allows Piedmontese growers to enjoy the fruits of their labors on the table with homemade pasta while Nebbiolo takes its sweet time getting off the vine. A wine for friends and casual dinners, grilled chicken or hamburgers with smoky bacon.
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Barbera d'Alba
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Barbera d'Alba Superiore 'Priòra'
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Verduno Pelaverga 'Speziale'
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Langhe Nebbiolo 'Prinsiot'
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Barolo
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Barolo 'Gramolere'
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Barolo 'San Lorenzo di Verduno'
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Barolo 'Monvigliero'
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Barolo Chinato
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Winemaker: Alessandro and Vittore Alessandria
Region: Italy • Piedmont • Verduno
Vineyard size: 30 acres
PRACTICING ORGANIC
Fratelli Alessandria is one of Piedmont’s under-the-radar jewels. The Alessandrias make compelling, classically-built wines from estate vineyards in Verduno and Monforte d’Alba. Best of all, the wines remain very reasonably priced by today’s standards. Readers who enjoy structured, age-worthy Barolos won’t want to be without these wines.