The Altare family originally comes from the town of Dogliani, then in 1948 they bought the farm in La Morra. Back then, the estate covered 5 hectares of nebbiolo, barbera and dolcetto vineyards, along with some peach, hazelnut and apple trees, but those were times when orchards gave higher yield and more profit than vineyards. Faced with a severe and long lasting economic crisis in Italy, Elio along with other curious barolisti, decided to learn more about winemaking beyond the borders of Piedmont in an attempt to emulate the success that those regions were enjoying. In January 1976, they made their first trip to Burgundy and it was a revelation. When Elio got back home he knew there were major changes to be made. He wasn't afraid: he grabbed a chainsaw as if it were a sword, and first cut down the fruit trees in the orchard. Then in the cellar he chopped up the large, traditional botti into firewood which made way for the next big revolution: Barrique.
His father Giovanni didn't understand him. Being from an older generation and poorer times, Elios radical decisions were too far removed from his own fathers way of thinking. Giuseppe was not able to accept what he thought was an offence against common sense and tradition, and therefore sought comfort in silence. Giovanni died in 1985 and tragically disinherited Elio. Determined to fight for his beliefs, Elio continued to work to buy back the winery and vineyards from his siblings. Elio stood firm then and still does today. Stubbornly he decided to change direction and to give a different interpretation to the family's wine – favoring elegance, finesse, and balance, following a strict regime in the vineyards, adopting new vinification and aging techniques in the cellar.
As of June 2016, the ownership and supervision of the farm has officially been transferred to Elio's daughter Silvia, who is a dynamic and passionate champion for her family business. We are very excited about the future of this incredible estate!
Philosophy of Life and Work
– Vineyards are cultivated without the use of any chemicals or pesticides (unless it's strictly necessary) or any other substance that might interfere with the vine cycle or grape maturation.
– Use only copper and copper sulphate, and fertilize with organic cow manure.
– During the alcoholic fermentation they don't inoculate with yeast. Only indigenous yeasts are used followed by a natural malolactic fermentation.
– No filtering or clarifying of the wine.
– No substances are used to alter the color or structure of the wine.
– Extremely low use of sulfur.
Farming Practice:Practicing Organic
Vinous Media 95 "The 2016 La Villa is a blend of 60% Nebbiolo and 40% Barbera, both from Arborina. In this vintage, the weight and texture
Wine Advocate 95 "Sadly, the 2011 Barolo Brunate represents the last time this wine will be released. The Altare family lost its lease on this historic
Wine Advocate 96 "The 2008 Barolo Vigna Bricco Cerretta shows the muscle of Serralunga within the context of the year. Dark red fruit, flowers, licorice and
Antonio Galloni 97 "Altare's 2010 Langhe Larigi (Barbera) stands out for its exceptional textural finesse and elegance. Small red berries, flowers and mint are all woven
Vinous Media 95 "The 2013 La Villa, a blend of 60% Larigi Barbera and 40% Giarborina Nebbiolo, is gorgeous. Plump, juicy and forward, La Villa brings
Vinous Media 98 "The 2010 Barolo Brunate is a wine for the Gods and Goddesses. Dark, layered and brooding, the 2010 covers every inch of the
Vinous Media 96 "Altare's 2011 Langhe Arborina (Nebbiolo) is gorgeous in this vintage. Freshly cut flowers, spices, mint and licorice jump from the glass in a
Wine Spectator 90 "Black pepper and black cherry aromas and flavors highlight this intensely flavored red. Concentrated fruit stains the palate, remaining fresh and long. Best
Vinous Media 90 "The 2014 Dolcetto d'Alba shows what a quality-obsessed grower can achieve in a tough year. The vintage may not have provided the best
Robert Parker 96 "The 2007 Barolo Arborina is another stunner. The intense aromatics are a dead give-way for what is to follow, which is to say
Antonio Galloni 95+ "Not surprisingly, the 2010 La Villa, a blend of 60% Barbera and 40% Nebbiolo, is gorgeous. Nebbiolo gives the aromatics and structure, while
Antonio Galloni 98 "The 2010 Langhe Arborina (Nebbiolo) is another extraordinary effort. Sweet red berries, crushed flowers, mint and licorice literally jump from the glass. Here,
Wine Advocate 96+ "The 2010 Barolo Arborina shows a strong fruit profile with cherry and cassis that sets it apart from the 2009 vintage that
"Intensely colored a dark ruby red, this Barbera's nose is characteristic of the grape: it is fine and elegant, with notes of blackberry and sweet
Vinous Media 89 "The 2014 Barbera d'Alba is supple, juicy and immediate, with plenty of dark red/bluish fruit, sweet spices and flowers. Silky and beautifully expressive
" Intensely colored a dark ruby red, this Barbera's nose is characteristic of the grape: it is fine and elegant, with notes of blackberry and
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