At a glance

Producer

Luciano Sandrone

Region

Barolo DOCG, Piedmont, Italy

Grape variety

Nebbiolo (100%)

Wine type

Red

Body

Full-bodied and Bold

Sweetness

Dry

Typical price

$90-$130

Tasting profile

Aromas of red raspberry, cherry, floral rose petal, earth, and a hint of licorice; palate firm with tar, spices, and mineral notes.

Evolution: With age, fruit will integrate, tannins soften, and complex tertiary notes of leather, truffle, and dried herbs will emerge.

At peak: Silky texture with balanced acidity, profound complexity, and persistent finish reflecting quality terroir expression.

Structure

Acidity

High, fresh acidity characteristic of Nebbiolo

Tannins

Firm and Fine-grained

Alcohol

14.0% ABV

Aging potential

25-35+ years expected from vintage

Drinking window

Peak drinking

2028 to 2050

Optimal window

2026 to 2053

Current status

Approaching early maturity, still quite youthful

Current condition

Tightly structured with robust tannins and vibrant acidity; requires further cellaring

This wine is crafted from Nebbiolo grapes grown in excellent 2018 vintage conditions. The high quality fruit, plus careful biological-organic viticulture, supports extended aging. The firm tannins and freshness require time to mellow and allow complex secondary and tertiary notes to develop fully, leading to a long drinking window extending beyond 30 years.

Food pairing

Pairs excellently with rich Italian dishes such as braised beef, wild game, porcini mushroom risotto, truffle dishes, aged cheeses, and hearty stews.

Serving

Serving temperature

16-18°C / 61-64°F

Decant

Yes (1-2 hours) — To soften the firm tannins and allow aeration for full aromatics and flavor complexity

Sustainability

Sustainability score: 8/10

The producer uses organic farming practices emphasizing soil health and biodiversity; no synthetic pesticides or herbicides. Energy use is minimized with efficient winery operations. Water conservation techniques are applied in the vineyard. Packaging uses sustainably sourced materials where possible.

Luciano Sandrone’s commitment to biological-organic farming promotes ecosystem health and sustainability despite lacking formal organic certification. Their practices including water and energy conservation contribute positively to environmental stewardship. Transport emissions are moderated by local sourcing but international distribution increases footprint, balanced by good packaging efficiencies.