Luigi Pira

“One of Piedmont’s new 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.” (Parker) "Sound vineyard management and painstaking work in the cellar have taken the winery into the Barolo elite." Established in the early 1950s, at first the estate only produced and sold grapes. Later on, wine was produced and sold in bulk to local negociants. Only a few years ago the estate started ageing and bottling its own wines. Giampaolo Pira recently took the reins at his family’s eight-hectare estate, overseeing the cellars while brother Romolo and father Luigi 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. Of the two Barolos that have been produced up until now, the “Margheria” (aged 30% in barrique)is more structured and full-bodied, while the “Marenca” (aged 50% in barrique) is beautifully sumptuous and rich at a young age but will develop over the next 10-15 years – it was called “flawless” by the Gambero Rosso. Their opaque Dolcetto is one of the most intense and complex of all our Barolo-producing estates, featuring the telltale fine tannins of Serralunga and astonishing length, while their oak-aged Barbera is both fruity and powerful. 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.