Fratelli Alessandria 'San Lorenzo di Verduno' Barolo 2020

This single-vineyard Barolo originates from Italy, within the commune of Verduno in the Barolo DOCG zone of Piedmont. Established in the early 19th century, the family-run Fratelli Alessandria estate is led by Vittore Alessandria alongside his parents Gian Battista and Flavia, and uncle Alessandro. The house is globally revered for capturing the signature finesse, ethereal floral aromatics, and haunting elegance unique to Verduno's northernmost Barolo terroir. The San Lorenzo vineyard sits at around 250 meters altitude on calcareous-clay soils rich in limestone and Marne di Sant'Agata marl, imparting a distinct mineral tension and spice profile to the wine.

Wine Description

In the glass, the 2020 San Lorenzo displays a classic translucent garnet-ruby color with orange-tinted rim variations. The highly expressive nose opens with delicate aromas of dried red cherry, wild strawberry, and cranberry, interwoven with signature notes of crushed rose petals, white pepper, star anise, blood orange, leather, and wet chalky stone. On the palate, it is medium-to-full-bodied, characterized by silky precision, vibrant acidity, and refined, chalky Nebbiolo tannins. Crafted from 100% Nebbiolo, the grapes are hand-harvested, destemmed, and fermented in temperature-controlled stainless steel with traditional skin maceration lasting 20 to 25 days. The wine is aged for approximately 30 months in large Slavonian and French oak casks (botti grandi), followed by additional maturation in bottle before release. The alcohol by volume sits at 14.5%.

Food Pairing

The complex aromatic lift, firm tannic structure, and bright acidity of this Verduno Barolo make it a exceptional match for earthy, savory Piedmontese cuisine. It pairs brilliantly with dishes featuring white or black truffles, such as tajarin egg pasta with butter and shaved truffle or mushroom risotto. Excellent meat pairings include braised beef (brasato al Barolo), roasted rack of lamb, pan-seared duck breast with a sour cherry reduction, and roasted wild boar. For cheese pairings, opt for well-aged hard cheeses like Parmigiano-Reggiano, Castelmagno, or mature Fontina.

Vintage Quality

The 2020 vintage in Barolo produced fragrant, vibrant, and remarkably harmonious wines with lower alcohol and earlier accessibility than the warmer 2019 or hot 2017 vintages. A mild winter and balanced summer allowed Nebbiolo grapes to reach optimal phenolic ripeness while retaining essential acidity and aromatics. In Verduno, where soil conditions naturally favor elegance and floral perfume, the 2020 San Lorenzo shows exceptional balance and pure fruit expression. While it offers alluring charm and approachable drinking early with proper decanting, it possesses the structural integrity to cellar and evolve gracefully for 12 to 20+ years.

Accolades

94 Points - Jeb Dunnuck:Pouring a jeweled ruby color, the 2020 Barolo San Lorenzo Di Verduno is a bit more reserved on opening, with notes of fresh red cherries, then takes a darker mineral tone aromatically, with a hint of black truffle, fresh crushed flowers, and fresh earth. The palate reveals more depth and richness while being light on its feet, with sweet tannins, more sapidity, a mouthwatering mineral tone, and a delicate glycerol richness. It has an approachable feel and is going to have a wide drinking window over the next 10-15 years.

94 Points - Wine Enthusiast:Lifted aromas of high-toned red fruits, with fresh cherries, raspberries, and cranberries leading the charge mingle notes of clove, anise and cinnamon. Hints of thyme and rosemary, along with a touch of black tea, provide an intriguing shift to the nose as it opens. On the palate, the wine displays a balance between savory and fruit with a slightly herbal edge that adds to its allure. Fine tannins provide structure and support. Drink now - 2040.

93 Points - James Suckling:This is spiced and walnut-like on the nose with fresh red fruit, cloves, licorice and bark on offer. Medium- to full-bodied, tense and firm with compact tannins and vivid acidity. Shows impressive volume and length. Juicy and vibrant, too, with a lingering, zesty finish.