Fratelli Alessandria
About Fratelli Alessandria
Fratelli Alessandria counts almost all their vines, with the exception of their Gramolere, within the gorgeous commune of Verduno. Something of an unknown quantity when compared to the more familiar and renowned communes of La Morra, Barolo, Serralunga and Castiglione Falletto, the village sits on the north-eastern border of the region. Almost an extension of neighbouring Roero, its soils are sandier and subject to a welcome moderating influence from the Tanaro river.
The result of this unique terroir is a lighter, more delicate and perfumed style of Barolo – of which Fratelli Alessandria are brilliant exponents. The estate is old in Barolo terms, having started in the mid-19th century - the fine 18th-century house and cellars on the edge of the tiny village remain the estate’s centre. Today, Vittore Alessandria runs the immaculate traditional cellar, while his brother Ale tends the 14 hectares of vineyards.
In the modern age, Fratelli Alessandria’s wines are seriously sought-after by Barolo lovers as they clamber for an allocation whilst the releases remain incredibly modestly priced.
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Piedmont | 1 | 95+ (VN) | $393.00 | |||||
Vinous (95+)The 2016 Barolo San Lorenzo di Verduno bristles with energy, as all these wines do. Readers will have to be patient, as the 2016 needs time to shed some of its youthful austerity. Sweet tobacco, spice, cedar, earthiness and dried cherry are some of the many notes that open up with some coaxing. Time in the glass bring out a whole range of tar and incense nuances that work so well with the wine’s personality.Over the years, I have been fortunate to taste the Alessandria Barolos with quite a bit of bottle age. I don’t want to scare readers off, but the 2016 is likely to be at its best in another decade or so, once the muscular tannins start to soften a bit. My impression is that the wait will be worth it. |
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Piedmont | 4 | 95 (VN) | $284.00 | |||||
Vinous (95)Rich, bold and effusive, the 2017 Barolo San Lorenzo di Verduno shows the darker side of Nebbiolo from Verduno, as it always does. Black cherry, gravel, licorice, game, spice and cured meats are some of the many aromas and flavors that develop in the glass. Broad and ample, with tons of punch, the 2017 San Lorenzo delivers the goods, and then some. |
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Piedmont | 10 | 17++ (JR) | $447.00 | |||||
Jancis Robinson (17++)A shade darker than their Del Comune di Verduno and with a firmer nose of cherry and raspberry with plenty of depth. Ripe and deep. Hints of mint and cardamom, but not from new oak as this has seen only large casks. Elegant and sappy cherry fruit palate with firm, finely chiselled tannins which never dominate the fruit. Succulent and with a fine, long, tannic grip on the finish. |
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Piedmont | 2 | 93-95 (VN) | $190.00 | |||||
Vinous (93-95)The 2019 Barolo San Lorenzo di Verduno, tasted from barrel, is another potent wine from Alessandria. Heady and explosive, the 2019 possesses tremendous energy and drive from start to finish. Dark red fruit, gravel, incense, scorched earth, rose petal, licorice and iron are some of the many notes that race out of the glass. The 2019 is wild and racy, sort of like a misbehaved child, but in the best sense! I can't wait to see how it turns out. |
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Piedmont | 1 | 93-95 (VN) | $386.00 | |||||
Vinous (93-95)The 2019 Barolo San Lorenzo di Verduno, tasted from barrel, is another potent wine from Alessandria. Heady and explosive, the 2019 possesses tremendous energy and drive from start to finish. Dark red fruit, gravel, incense, scorched earth, rose petal, licorice and iron are some of the many notes that race out of the glass. The 2019 is wild and racy, sort of like a misbehaved child, but in the best sense! I can't wait to see how it turns out. |
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Piedmont | 1 | 95 (KO) | $187.00 | |||||
Kerin O'Keefe (95)Showing depth and elegance the site is known for, the 2020 San Lorenzo di Verduno has multi-faceted scents of ripe red berry, underbrush, dog rose, leather and eucalyptus. Full-bodied and loaded with finesse, the delicious palate delivers ripe Morello cherry, wild raspberry, star anise and ground clove set against a backbone of refined tannins. Fresh acidity keeps it balanced. |
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Piedmont | 1 | 95 (KO) | $430.00 | |||||
Kerin O'Keefe (95)Showing depth and elegance the site is known for, the 2020 San Lorenzo di Verduno has multi-faceted scents of ripe red berry, underbrush, dog rose, leather and eucalyptus. Full-bodied and loaded with finesse, the delicious palate delivers ripe Morello cherry, wild raspberry, star anise and ground clove set against a backbone of refined tannins. Fresh acidity keeps it balanced. |
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Piedmont | 10 | - | $194.00 | |||||
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Piedmont | 8 | 91 (VN) | $207.00 | |||||
Vinous (91)The 2019 Dolcetto d'Alba is a standout. Readers will find a bold, juicy red done in a style that leans towards the savory, pungent end of the spectrum. Plum, olive tapenade, game and licorice give this Dolcetto a somewhat wild personality. |
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Piedmont | 2 | - | $126.00 | |||||
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Piedmont | 1 | - | $241.00 | |||||
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Piedmont | 15 | 90+ (WA) | $274.00 | |||||
Wine Advocate (90+)I absolutely have a soft spot for the Pelaverga grape that achieves such beautiful, but unusual, characteristics when given the chance. The 2018 Verduno Pelaverga Speziale is a happy and cheerful wine destined for easy-drinking occasions like with pizza or wood-fire flatbread with spicy sausage and broccoli. Native to Verduno in Piedmont, the grape typically shows a strong layer of freshly milled white pepper. That's exactly what you get in this cool and balanced vintage. This is a lean-bodied red to drink within the next 18 months. |
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Piedmont | 3 | - | $181.00 | |||||

