{"id":342,"date":"2026-02-03T08:26:18","date_gmt":"2026-02-03T08:26:18","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/steeplejackwine.com\/?p=342"},"modified":"2026-06-25T09:19:22","modified_gmt":"2026-06-25T09:19:22","slug":"fratelli-alessandria","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/steeplejackwine.com\/index.php\/2026\/02\/03\/fratelli-alessandria\/","title":{"rendered":"Fratelli Alessandria"},"content":{"rendered":"

[et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ _builder_version=”4.27.5″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.27.5″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.27.5″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][dsm_image_carousel gallery_ids=”349,346,345,327,326″ slide_to_show=”2″ speed=”800″ pause_on_hover=”on” space_between=”10″ arrow_position_mobile=”outside” arrow_color=”#893727″ dots_active_color=”#893727″ dots_inactive_color=”rgba(137,55,39,0.2)” slide_to_show_tablet=”2″ slide_to_show_phone=”2″ slide_to_show_last_edited=”on|tablet” _builder_version=”4.27.5″ _module_preset=”default” width=”90%” width_tablet=”80%” width_phone=”80%” width_last_edited=”on|desktop” module_alignment=”center” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][\/dsm_image_carousel][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.27.5″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.27.5″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.5″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”]<\/p>\n

When you mention Verduno to savvy sommeliers they\u2019ll give you a nod of recognition followed by a plea to keep quiet. As word has been getting out about this under-the-radar Barolo commune, its wines are becoming ever more tightly allocated.<\/p>\n

Maybe it\u2019s climate change that has been driving so many producers to scramble for vineyard plots in Verduno, Barolo\u2019s northernmost commune. But it\u2019s also undoubtedly the vibrant, racy wines coming from Verduno-based producers like Fratelli Alessandria.<\/p>\n

Verduno was one of Barolo\u2019s leading production centers in the late 19th<\/sup> century, but by the 1990s its lighter style of wine lost favor to other communes like La Morra and Serralunga. Over the last decade consumer tastes have swung again, moving away from flashy, extracted wines and toward balance and restraint, bringing Verduno wines back into fashion.<\/p>\n

[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.27.5″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.27.5″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.5″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”]<\/p>\n

The Alessandria family has been a fixture in the village of Verduno since the Franco-Prussian war. Winemaker Vittore Alessandria, son of proprietor Giovan Battista, makes Barolo according to family traditions, fermenting with native yeasts and aging the wines in large Slavonian casks. His wines emphasize finesse over power and weight. \u201cWe are never looking for a huge level of extraction,\u201d he notes.<\/p>\n

The Alessandrias own several choice plots in Monvigliero, Verduno\u2019s \u201cgrand cru\u201d MGA, where cool evening breezes from the nearby Tanaro River combine with limestone-rich soils to produce spicy and silky Barolos, redolent of rose petals and fresh cherries.<\/p>\n

Alessandria\u2019s plot in the San Lorenzo MGA is just a few hundred feet away from Monvigliero, but a little lower and less steep. The wine is typically more reticent but tends to show well early in warmer vintages. Flecked with notes of licorice and white pepper, it takes on savory tones on the finish.<\/p>\n

In 2017 Alessandria elevated his Barolo classico to Barolo del Comune di Verduno, the first such wine from that commune. \u201cWe are lucky to have vineyards in five crus of Verduno, all with different exposures,\u201d Alessandria says, and he adjusts the blend according to the vintage while maintaining a style that communicates Verduno\u2019s essence.<\/p>\n

[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row column_structure=”1_2,1_2″ _builder_version=”4.27.5″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_column type=”1_2″ _builder_version=”4.27.5″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/steeplejackwine.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/Alessandria_photos_8-scaled.jpg” title_text=”Alessandria_photos_8″ _builder_version=”4.27.5″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][\/et_pb_image][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.5″ _module_preset=”default” text_font_size=”10px” text_line_height=”1.2em” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”]<\/p>\n

Your content goes here. Edit or remove this text inline or in the module Content settings.<\/p>\n

[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”1_2″ _builder_version=”4.27.5″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.5″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”]<\/p>\n

Despite the family\u2019s close identification with Verduno, Alessandria\u2019s mother inherited five vineyard acres in Monforte d\u2019Alba\u2019s Gramolere MGA. Its heavier clay soils yield a darker and more powerfully structured Barolo, though Alessandria\u2019s imprint is evident in its seamless texture and vibrant red berry flavors.<\/p>\n

While Alessandria\u2019s Barolos are the headliners, his brisk and spicy pelaverga offers a highly entertaining opening act. A native variety that grows almost<\/p>\n

exclusively in Verduno\u2019s environs, pelaverga wines are floral and spicy, with succulent strawberry flavors that take on meaty notes of truffled sausage. Priced around one-third the cost of an Alessandria cru Barolo, Pelaverga Speziale is of the easiest ways to fall in love with Verduno, and has become a favorite glass pour among sommeliers lucky enough to score an allocation.<\/p>\n

[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.27.5″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.27.5″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.5″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”]<\/p>\n

The Alessandrias own several choice plots in Monvigliero, Verduno\u2019s \u201cgrand cru\u201d MGA, where cool evening breezes from the nearby Tanaro River combine with limestone-rich soils to produce spicy and silky Barolos, redolent of rose petals and fresh cherries.<\/p>\n

[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row column_structure=”3_5,2_5″ _builder_version=”4.27.5″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_column type=”3_5″ _builder_version=”4.27.5″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.5″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”]<\/p>\n

Alessandria\u2019s plot in the San Lorenzo MGA is just a few hundred feet away from Monvigliero, but a little lower and less steep. The wine is typically more reticent but tends to show well early in warmer vintages. Flecked with notes of licorice and white pepper, it takes on savory tones on the finish.<\/p>\n

In 2017 Alessandria elevated his Barolo classico to Barolo del Comune di Verduno, the first such wine from that commune. \u201cWe are lucky to have vineyards in five crus of Verduno, all with different exposures,\u201d Alessandria says, and he adjusts the blend according to the vintage while maintaining a style that communicates Verduno\u2019s essence.<\/p>\n

[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”2_5″ _builder_version=”4.27.5″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/steeplejackwine.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/Alessandria_photos_1-scaled.jpg” title_text=”Alessandria_photos_1″ _builder_version=”4.27.5″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][\/et_pb_image][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.5″ _module_preset=”default” text_font_size=”10px” text_line_height=”1.2em” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”]<\/p>\n

Your content goes here. Edit or remove this text inline or in the module Content settings.\u00a0<\/p>\n

[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.27.5″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.27.5″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.5″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”]<\/p>\n

Despite the family\u2019s close identification with Verduno, Alessandria\u2019s mother inherited five vineyard acres in Monforte d\u2019Alba\u2019s Gramolere MGA. Its heavier clay soils yield a darker and more powerfully structured Barolo, though Alessandria\u2019s imprint is evident in its seamless texture and vibrant red berry flavors.<\/p>\n

While Alessandria\u2019s Barolos are the headliners, his brisk and spicy pelaverga offers a highly entertaining opening act. A native variety that grows almost exclusively in Verduno\u2019s environs, pelaverga wines are floral and spicy, with succulent strawberry flavors that take on meaty notes of truffled sausage. Priced around one-third the cost of an Alessandria cru Barolo, Pelaverga Speziale is of the easiest ways to fall in love with Verduno, and has become a favorite glass pour among sommeliers lucky enough to score an allocation.<\/p>\n

[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.27.5″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.27.5″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.5″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”]<\/p>\n

Fratelli Alessandria Wines:<\/h3>\n

[\/et_pb_text][dsm_icon_list _builder_version=”4.27.5″ _module_preset=”default” custom_margin=”-20px||||false|false” custom_margin_tablet=”-20px||||false|false” custom_margin_phone=”-20px||||false|false” custom_margin_last_edited=”on|phone” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][dsm_icon_list_child text=”Barolo Monvigliero” font_icon=”||fa||900″ _builder_version=”4.27.5″ _module_preset=”default” text_font=”|700|||||||” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][\/dsm_icon_list_child][dsm_icon_list_child text=”Barolo San Lorenzo di Verduno” font_icon=”||fa||900″ _builder_version=”4.27.5″ _module_preset=”default” text_font=”|700|||||||” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][\/dsm_icon_list_child][dsm_icon_list_child text=”Barolo del Comune di Verduno” font_icon=”||fa||900″ _builder_version=”4.27.5″ _module_preset=”default” text_font=”|700|||||||” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][\/dsm_icon_list_child][dsm_icon_list_child text=”Barolo Gramolere” font_icon=”||fa||900″ _builder_version=”4.27.5″ _module_preset=”default” text_font=”|700|||||||” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][\/dsm_icon_list_child][dsm_icon_list_child text=”Pelaverga Speziale” font_icon=”||fa||900″ _builder_version=”4.27.5″ _module_preset=”default” text_font=”|700|||||||” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][\/dsm_icon_list_child][\/dsm_icon_list][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.27.5″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.27.5″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.5″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”]<\/p>\n

FOUNDED<\/strong>: 1830<\/p>\n

OWNERS<\/strong>: Giovan Battista, Alesandro and Vittore Alessandria<\/p>\n

WINEMAKER<\/strong>: Vittore Alessandria<\/p>\n

VITICULTURISTS<\/strong>: Gian Battista and Alessandro Alessandria<\/p>\n

VINEYARD ACRES OWNED<\/strong>: 39.5<\/p>\n

CASES PRODUCED<\/strong>: 7,500<\/p>\n

ESTATE GROWN<\/strong>: 100%<\/p>\n

IMPORTER<\/strong>: Bowler Wine, New York, NY \/ North Berkeley Imports, Berkeley, CA<\/p>\n

[stats as of Nov 2023]<\/p>\n

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