Luciano Sandrone Barbera d'Alba, Piedmont, Italy 2022

Luciano Sandrone is one of the most iconic producers in Barolo, and his is both a well-known and extraordinary story. He started to learn viticulture at the age of 14 or 15. After years of work as a cellarman he depleted his life savings and purchased his first vineyard on the Cannubi hill in 1977, though he could only manage his land on the weekends while he continued to work. He made his first vintage in 1978, in his parents’ garage, and then spent years refining his ideas about how to make a wine of distinction and utmost quality that respected the traditions of Barolo while incorporating new ideas and understanding about viticulture and vinification. He made every vintage at home until 1999, when the winery he constructed in 1998 was ready for use.

Luciano Sandrone Barbera d’Alba 2022 is a polished, modern expression of Barbera from Piedmont, balancing richness with precision. The nose is vibrant and inviting, offering ripe black cherry, plum, and wild berry aromas accented by hints of violet, licorice, and sweet spice. On the palate, it is full-bodied and energetic, with Barbera’s naturally bright acidity giving lift to the generous fruit, while finely integrated oak adds texture without overshadowing freshness. The finish is smooth and persistent, making the 2022 both immediately appealing and capable of short-term aging, and an excellent match for pasta with ragù, roasted meats, or aged cheeses.

"The 2022 Barbera d'Alba is packed with ripe red cherry/plum fruit. Mocha, spice, cedar and leather add layers of nuance. This succulent, forward Barbera is an absolute delight." Vinous 92