James Suckling 96
" Really gorgeous aromas of dried strawberries with hazelnut and cedar undertones, following through to a full body with real density of fruit and dusty, chewy tannins that finish long and intense. Vivid transparency at the end. Try after 2025."

Jeb Dunnuck 93
"Floral and perfumed, the 2017 Barolo Marenca is laced with crushed rose petals, cherry lozenge, and fresh earth. On the palate, this red is inviting and pure, offering notes of raspberry, and black tea before showing its true Serralunga character and noble structure beneath. Its finesse and elegance up front leads to a deceiving desire to say it would be for youthful drinking, though it will be worth holding out for 2-5 years to enjoy 2024-2042."

Wine Advocate 93
"The Luigi Pira 2017 Barolo Marenca reveals a bright note of sweet cherry or redcurrant that pops first from the bouquet. That pretty red fruit intensity is quickly followed by spice, earth, toasted hazelnut and candied orange peel. This is a graceful and smooth expression from a site in Serralunga d'Alba that is almost exclusively farmed by the Pira family, mostly replanted in 1990 and is said to be noted for its powerful Barolo."

Vinous Media 92
"The 2017 Barolo Marenca is quite understated in this vintage, and not the powerhouse it can be, although that core of strength, that is its key signature, is very much present. Bright red fruit, dried herbs, rose petal, mint and orange peel open with a bit of coaxing. The 2017 is quite a departure from what Pira fans are used to, and yet there is plenty to like."

The Wine
There are just two cantinas that produce estate-bottled wine from the six-ha Marenca cru: Luigi Pira and Gaja. Pira has the largest holding in this cru with 2.2ha
100% Nebbiolo from 30-year-old vines grown at 350 meters in calcareous clay soils with a south-southwest exposure
Fermentation and maceration on the skins for 7-10 days
Aged for one year in 500-liter tonneaux and one year in 2,500-liter Slavonian oak cask, plus one year in bottle before release

The Estate
Established in the early 1950s, the Luigi Pira estate encompasses 12ha of Nebbiolo, Dolcetto, and Barbera in the commune of Serralunga dAlba. For many years, the family produced and sold their grapes, later producing and selling wine in bulk to local negociants. Only just a few years ago did the estate begin ageing and bottling its own wines. Luigis son, Giampaolo, recently took the reins at the estate, overseeing the cellars while his brother, Romolo, and his father continue to maintain the vineyards. Piras holdings are in the three most prestigious crus in the Serralunga commune: Margheria, Marenca, and Rionda. The first Barolo was produced only as recently as 1993, but since then, the family has racked up accolades and high scores from the worldwide press. 50-55,000 bottles are produced each year.

Vineyard Management: Integrated insect and disease control is followed. Only natural products are used in order to respect the environment: sulfur- and copper-based products are mainly used. No insecticides are used. Only organic fertilizers are used. Natural cover crops (grass cover) are left on the rows between the vines. In autumn the soil is tilled. Only absolutely necessary doses of SO2 to prevent oxidation are added to the wines.

Farming Practice:Practicing Organic