Value Barolo from a Respected Traditionalist in Top Cru

Guido Porro “Vigna Lazzairasco” (Barolo 2013)
Special 6-pack price: $243 (~$41/bottle)

Guido Porro is the fourth generation at an estate that has always been passed from father to son. He holds close to 20 acres on the western slopes of the Barolo commune Serralunga d’Alba and is a man that sees no need for fanfares to establish his name as one of Langhe’s most respected vignerons. Other than the addition of modern equipment very little has changed at the estate through the generations, Guido continues to work just as his predecessors did by focusing on the quality of the fruit in the vineyard, meticulous handling of the fruit from vine to cellar, and traditional winemaking techniques through the use of indigenous yeast and large Slavonian oak barrels for aging.

The limestone-heavy soils of Serralunga d’Alba have long been known to produce some of the regions most expressive, rich, and concentrated Barolo wines. Guido Porro’s vineyards are located here on the south-southwest facing slopes of the Lazzarito cru that provide the vines full sun exposure while protecting them from wind.

The cuvée “Lazzairasco” is named after the specific sub-zone of Lazzarito that contain the estates oldest vines (50 years) and is located on the lower slopes that receive more heat and therefore tend to produce some of the most powerful wines of the cru. Fermentation is completed in glass-lined concrete vats and then the wine rests for three years in 15 to 25 hectoliter Slavonian oak barrels. The result is classic Barolo, exuding heady aromatics of dark cherry, rose, licorice, and autumn leaf. A sip fills the mouth with vibrant fruit concentration while maintaining the licorice vibe and a lengthy mineral and cherry pit finish that makes you wonder how Guido Porro is able to fit so much wine in a bottle. A little over 800 cases are produced.

Barolo “Lazzairasco” is regularly awarded “Tre Bicchieri” — the top rating from Gambero Rosso, Italy’s most respected wine guide. 2013 is the most recent vintage to receive this highest honor. Barolo at both this quality level and relative low price is a rare beast indeed.

Everyday wines from Guido Porro

All prices based on the purchase of six or more bottles, mix & match.
~$23 “Camilu” (Langhe Nebbiolo 2016) SOLD OUT

The cuvée “Camilu” is a declassified Barolo from a 1.5 acre plot of vines in Serralunga d’Alba with an average age of 10 years. Fermentation is traditional in glass-lined concrete vats with the wine in contact with the skins for 15-20 days. Aging is done for six months in large 25 hectoliter wooden casks.

~$17 “Vigna l’Pari” (Dolcetto d’Alba 2016) SOLD OUT

100% Dolcetto from a close to four acre plot with an average age of 30 years. Fermentation is traditional in glass-lined concrete vats with the wine in contact with the skins for 7-8 days. Aging is done in steel vats.

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Posted on 2018.01.17 in Saturday Sips Wines, Piedmont, Italy