Elio Altare Barbera D'Alba

Elio Altare is a legendary figure in the Piedmont region, often referred to as the Godfather of Barolo for his role in modernizing the area's winemaking. In 1976, after a transformative trip to Burgundy, Altare famously returned to his family estate in La Morra and used a chainsaw to destroy the traditional large wooden tanks, replacing them with small French barriques. This radical shift toward Burgundian techniques, such as shorter macerations and green harvesting to reduce yields, initially led to his disinheritance by his father. However, his vision eventually sparked a revolution among a younger generation of producers, establishing him as a pioneer of elegance and precision in a region previously dominated by rustic traditions.

The estate's Barbera d'Alba is sourced from carefully selected plots with vines ranging from 10 to 30 years old, situated on calcareous and sandy soils that contribute to the wine's vibrant aromatic profile and mineral tension. Altare’s winemaking philosophy is rooted in a strict respect for the land, practicing sustainable viticulture without the use of synthetic chemicals, pesticides, or fertilizers. In the cellar, the grapes undergo fermentation with indigenous yeasts and a brief maceration of three to four days. To preserve the fruit's purity and energy, the wine is aged for only five months in used French barriques, ensuring the oak adds subtle structure and richness without masking the natural character of the Barbera grape.