We were looking for an uncompromising, old-style Barolo and were convinced we’d find it in the mediaeval township of Serralunga d’Alba, famous for its particularly tough, untamed, tannic Nebbiolo. After several teeth-staining tastings we stumbled across Palladino. Tar and roses, truffles and more tar…Mission successful!
Maurilio and his niece Veronica make a wonderful range of classic regional wines mainly from the chalk & clay soils of Serralunga. Dolcetto, Barbera, a Barbera Superiore “Bricco delle Olive”, a Nebbiolo from the nearby township of Roddi. The range of Barolo has been growing. The Barolo Serralunga, Vigna Broglio and Riserva San Bernardo (a magnificent parcel rented from the church for decades) have recently been joined by two more Crus, Parafada and Ornato. They also make small amounts of Roero Arneis, a Gavi (which almost entirely goes to Malta), a Moscato d’Asti and a Barolo Chinato. Alongside their wonderful, classic Barolos, we often snap up unexpected old vintages of their Dolcetto and Nebbiolo whenever we spot them. Old Dolcetto? Yes, really! To give an example, we were lucky enough to be having dinner at Elio Altare’s home and one of the most startling wines was a 15 year-old Dolcetto. Who would have thought it could age? We have just taken delivery of the last few bottles of Palladino’s 2009 Dolcetto. Move quickly!
