Luigi Pira - BAROLO Serralunga DOCG 750ml 2020 (14.5% ABV)

$68.00

“One of Piedmont’s superstars… these are wines of extraordinary complexity and breathtaking richness. The spectacular offerings from Pira ’s vineyards in and around Serralunga d’Alba are among the more riveting examples.” – Robert Parker

Established in the early 1950s, the Luigi Pira estate encompasses 12ha of Nebbiolo, Dolcetto, and Barbera in the commune of Serralunga d’Alba. For many years, the family produced and sold their grapes, later producing and selling wine in bulk to local negociants. Only just a few years ago did the estate begin ageing and bottling its own wines. Luigi’s son, Giampaolo, recently took the reins at the estate, overseeing the cellars while his brother, Romolo, and his father continue to maintain the vineyards. Pira’s holdings are in the three most prestigious crus in the Serralunga commune: “Margheria,” “Marenca,” and “Rionda.” The first Barolo was produced only as recently as 1993, but since then, the family has racked up accolades and high scores from the worldwide press. 50-55,000 bottles are produced each year.

Vineyard Management: Integrated insect and disease control is followed. Only natural products are used in order to respect the environment: sulfur- and copper-based products are mainly used. No insecticides are used. Only organic fertilizers are used. Natural cover crops (grass cover) are left on the rows between the vines. In autumn the soil is tilled. Only absolutely necessary doses of SO2 to prevent oxidation are added to the wines.

"Luigi Pira just may be Barolo’s best-kept secret.

"This unassuming winery is close neighbors with some of Piedmont's greatest names: Angelo Gaja, Giacomo Conterno and Domenico Clerico.

"Yet Barolo is a traditional place, and Luigi Pira is a traditional man. The custom in Barolo was the farmer, Pira, farmed. The winemaker bought the grapes and made the wine. And even though his neighbors were making hundreds of dollars per bottle of wine from Pira's fruit, it didn't occur to him to vary from tradition.

"But it did occur to his son. In 1997, Gianpolo Pira started making wine, and we are lucky for it – because these are some of Barolo’s greatest wines, sandwiched right into the high-rent district of Serralunga, at incomprehensibly low prices.

"I mean that. I’ve tasted Gaja’s Sperss – it’s great. I’ve tasted Conterno’s Monfortino – it’s magnificent. Pira’s vineyards are right between the two, and the wine is right on par with these greats."

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