result of a careful selection in the winery of grapes produced on vineyards located throughout the growing areas, which cover eleven villages south of Alba.

Vineyard features: Located mid- and high-hillside (300-400 m asl) with various exposures (except for the north), they are planted on soil of Miocene-Helvetian and Tortonian origin, which is characteristically packed with limestone and marl.

Wine-making process: the fermentation is traditional, carried out for an average of 8-10 days in stainless steel vats at a controlled temperature (30-31°C) with a floating cap and frequent pumping over of the must. The must is then left on the skins for several days to optimize the extraction of the polyphenolic substances and to help the malolactic fermentation get underway.

Ageing: at least two years in large casks made of oak (from Slavonia and mid-France), followed by no less then twelve months in the bottle.

Keeping qualities: both the wines are at their best 4-6 years after the harvest, but this can vary considerably depending on the vintage.

Tasting characteristics: the results of lengthy ageing, above-all on account of their natural qualities, these robust, well-bodied wines are packed with structure and are well capable of withstanding the test of time. Barolo has an attractive ruby-red colour with garnet highlights which become orange with the passing of time. Its bouquet is clean, full and intense, with the wine's typical traces of withered flowers, dry leaves and underbrush.

Pairings: ideal with rich red meats - varying according to the wine and vintage - and medium and mature cheeses, they are also perfect after-dinner wines.