Castello di Verduno Barbaresco Rabajà 2020

Castello di Verduno, located in the Piedmont region of Italy, boasts a rich history intertwined with the evolution of Barolo wine. The castle's origins date back to the early 16th century, with significant developments occurring over the centuries. In 1838, King Carlo Alberto of Savoy acquired the estate and, under the guidance of enologist General Paolo Francesco Staglieno, initiated the production of Barolo wine at the castle. This endeavor laid the foundation for modern Barolo winemaking. The estate's vineyards are in the Langhe district, renowned for its rolling hills and diverse soils, including clay, sand, and limestone. This unique terroir, combined with a favorable microclimate, provides ideal conditions for cultivating Nebbiolo grapes, the primary varietal used in Barolo and Barbaresco wines.

Today, Castello di Verduno produces esteemed wines such as Barolo, Barbaresco, and Verduno Pelaverga. The winery employs traditional vinification methods, including fermentation in stainless steel and aging in large oak casks, to preserve the authenticity and complexity of their wines. Notably, the estate was among the first to plant an entire vineyard with Pelaverga Piccolo grapes in 1972, showcasing their commitment to indigenous varietals. Under the ownership of the Burlotto family since 1909, Castello di Verduno continues to honor its historical legacy while producing wines that reflect the distinctive character of the Langhe region.

Piedmont, or Piemonte as it's known in Italian, is often hailed as the "Burgundy of Italy" by wine enthusiasts. This esteemed wine-producing region sits in Italy's northwestern corner, nestled at the base of the mountains. Surrounded by France to the west, Valle d'Aosta northwest, Lombardy east, and Liguria south, Piedmont is also home to Turin, its capital and largest city.

A standout feature of Piedmont, much like Veneto, is its rich tapestry of indigenous grape varieties. These varietals create a diverse range of unique and exceptional wines. A key aspect of Piedmont's traditional winemaking is the practice of using single grape varieties and avoiding blends, which highlights the region's dedication to showcasing individual grape characteristics.

Piedmont's comparison to Burgundy stems from several crucial factors. Firstly, there's a strong emphasis on quality over quantity, with many wineries being small, family-owned, and harmoniously integrated with their natural surroundings. This focus aligns perfectly with the principles of natural wine production.

Secondly, the region adopts a terroir-driven approach to viticulture and winemaking. Vineyards are meticulously divided into cru (or zonazione in Italian), each producing wines with distinct and specific characteristics.

Lastly, the renowned Nebbiolo grape, a staple of Piedmont and globally celebrated, is treated similarly to Burgundy's Pinot Noir. Notably, Nebbiolo wines are never blended, further emphasizing the region's commitment to purity and quality, key tenets of natural wine philosophy.