Luciano Sandrone Valmaggiore Nebbiolo d'Alba 2023

Valmaggiore is a steep, sandy, amphitheatre-shaped vineyard in the Roero that Luciano Sandrone terraced and replanted some thirty years ago.

The three-hectare site sits in the Roero, across the Tanaro from Barolo, in country nobody was talking about when Sandrone established it; he had worked with Roero parcels as cellarmaster at Marchesi di Barolo and backed his read of their potential. The risks were real, since gradients reach 50% in places and the sandy soils dry out and erode quickly, so the land had to be terraced and replanted at considerable cost. Farming is meticulous and organic, with strict sorting each year. Fermentation took place in tank, with malolactic fermentation and nine to twelve months' maturation in old French demi-muid. Sand rather than clay is what sets the wine apart: it gives a Nebbiolo of perfume, fine texture and finesse, lighter in frame and prettier than the denser, more structured styles of Barolo and Barbaresco, and closer in spirit to Burgundy.

Approachable young and good for eight years; serve at 16-18°C with roast duck, mushroom risotto or a plate of prosciutto.

*Every effort is made to ensure the current vintage is accurate; however, variations can occur. If you are after a specific vintage, please contact us prior to ordering.