Luigi Pira
SERRALUNGA D’ALBA | CUNEO
PIEDMONT
| Founded: | 1950 | |
| Owner: | The Pira family | |
| Winemaker: | Giampaolo Pira | |
| Hectares under vines: | 13ha | |
| Altitude above sea level: | 250m - 400m | |
| Average annual production: | 65,000 bottles | |
| Green code: | Lutte Raisonée |
WHAT THEY SAY
Vigna Rionda, Vigna Marenca and Vigna Margheria are reputed to be the best in the township of Serralunga and this estate produces single vineyard Baroli from plots owned in all three of these crus (which can be seen from the azienda’s terrace). In the 1950s the grapes were sold. In the following years small quantities of Barolo were bottled. In 1993 the Baroli Margheria and Marenca were produced followed by Barolo Vigna Rionda in 1997. The wines from these three crus are typical of the great terroir of Serralunga: displaying great minerality. Barolo Margheria, made from 50-year-old vines, is the most classical. Barolo Marenca and Barolo Vigna Rionda are structured, complex, with a lot of muscle and age longer.
WHAT WE SAY
The Pira family’s history is closely tied to the development of Barolo. Known for their commitment to quality and steady improvement, they farm vineyards planted primarily with Nebbiolo, as well as Barbera and Dolcetto, focusing on expressing the characteristics of their specific sites. Like many families in the Langhe region, they began as grape growers before later bottling and marketing wines under their own family name.
Luigi Pira was the first to bottle the family’s wines, inspired by growing interest in Barolo beyond Italy and encouraged by his sons Giampaolo and Romolo, and later Claudio. They believed firmly in the future demand for Serralunga and in the exceptional value of their vineyard holdings. Giampaolo eventually assumed leadership of the winery and became one of the original—perhaps the most understated—members of the ‘Barolo Boys.’
WHAT OTHERS SAY
“One of Piedmont’s superstars… these are wines of extraordinary complexity and breathtaking richness. The spectacular offerings from Pira ’s vineyards in and around Serralunga d’Alba are among the more riveting examples.” (Robert Parker)
2019 Barolo Vigna Rionda
”Aged for 12 months in barrique plus a further 12 months in larger botte, this Vigna Rionda is pretty classic. The concentration of fruit is great: generous yet elegant cherry and strawberry fruit are accompanied by a straw note, while the liquorice finish shows youthful grainy tannins, refined and sweet, along with refreshing acidity. It's a little early to tell for sure, but it should age quite well. Drinking Window: 2023 – 2045.” (94pts Aldo Fiorelli, Decanter)
WINES WE IMPORT:
Dolcetto d’Alba
Langhe Nebbiolo
Barolo Serralunga
Barolo Margheria
Barolo Marenca
Barolo Vigna Rionda