BARBERA D'ALBA

Claudio Viberti is the 3rd generation to be at the helm of this small but very special estate in Castiglione Falletto - one of the great cru of Barolo. His grandfather bought the vines, just 4.5 HA in 1946, but it was not until 2002 when the young Claudio took the reins that they bottled their own wines in earnest. His father and grandfather largely sold off their juice or their grapes to other local estates. Claudio is proud that since his tenure started they have bottled everything themselves and sold the wines under their own label.
The estate's 'village' Barolo is made from a patchwork of plots of very old vines dotted throughout the village. It is the most perfect example of this commune's famed elegance. Pitch-perfect Nebbiolo.

Claudio's two 'cru' wines are both true wonders and take things to another level. Yet, fascinatingly they could not be more different. The village sits atop a tall, very steep ridge and Claudio has vineyards on each side of the ridgeline. The mesmerising Rocche Castiglione is on sand with some limestone and tuffo in the soil's make up. The vineyard faces south-east so gets the early sun and constant fresh wind that keeps it healthy and disease free. The wine is incredibly fragrant, with gentle bright fruit and a soft touch. Classic for this village - but so remarkable it stops you in its tracks, this is remarkably fine Barolo.

Claudio's other vines are in the hugely famous Bricco Boschis vineyard. For decades the Cavalotto family have been the only producers of Barolo Bricco Boschis, leading many to feel it was a monopole. This is not the case as several growers have Dolcetto vines here, Claudio regrafted some of his old vines to Nebbiolo and from 2014 has made his own Barolo Bricco Boschis. You can quickly see why this vineyard is one of Piedmont's most prized. Facing West it benefits from the warm afternoon and evening sun and the soil here is heavy with clay. The results are astonishingly good, powerful and broad in contrast to Claudio's Rocche Castiglione. Rich and structured, this is a wine that will require patience - but is an absolute gem. Rightfully an historic name - we are delighted to be able to offer this very rare gem.