2016 Ferdinando Principiano Barolo Serralunga Organic, Piedmont

Principiano Ferdinando is a third generation family estate in the heart of the Langhe in Piemonte. In 1934, Ferdinando's grandfather first planted vines (just after phylloxera) on the hill of Monforte d'Alba; the winery and family home sat at the bottom of Serralunga, just across the ditch between the two adjoining hills. In 1946, the 6 hectares next to the home (just under the famous Giacomo Conterno) were planted, giving fruit for their top 'Boscareto' wine. Americo, his son, developed and ran the estate until 1993 when his son in turn took over for the family business. As Ferdinando took the reigns, his concept began to transform the estate into what it is today. In the incredible and perfectly pieced together puzzle of Barolo vineyards, very few stand out with natural flora and fauna, as the land is too valuable to take 'risks' from natural grape growing. The vines of Principiano are one of the few and extraordinary exceptions. Treatments are strictly kept to copper and sulfur only when necessary, amazing calcareous soils without layers of other rocks create for incredible drainage, and chosen crops are planted in the vineyards to add or subtract in aiding to the soil. It is meticulously farmed but pure to the earth, and the winery is the same. Natural yeast fermentations, minimal to no sulfites, large Slavonian oak, 15+ year old French Tonneau, and a sincere love for winemaking create the purest expression of Nebbiolo, Barbera, and Dolcetto.