# Barolo di Serralunga (2020)

- **Producer:** Luigi Pira
- **Colour:** red
- **Type:** still
- **Grapes:** Nebbiolo
- **Region:** Piemonte, Italy
- **Style:** Classic
- **Alcohol:** 14.5%
- **Average price:** €47
- **Contains sulphites:** No
- **When to drink:** Later
- **Serving temperature:** 16–18 °C
- **Aromas & flavours:** rose, eucalyptus, red cherry, black cherry, vanilla, cedar, leather, forest floor, tobacco, earth

## About this wine

The Luigi Pira Barolo di Serralunga 2020 is a 100% Nebbiolo from the Barolo DOCG in Piedmont, Italy, specifically from the commune of Serralunga d'Alba. The Pira family has a deep-rooted history in this region, with five generations working the same land. Luigi Pira established the winery in the mid-20th century, and his son Giampaolo expanded the estate's focus to bottling their own wines. The estate aims to capture the essence of Serralunga d'Alba's terroir, which is characterized by 'Lequio Formations' known for producing structured and age-worthy wines. The vineyards used for this Barolo are located in Serralunga d'Alba and include renowned crus such as Marenca, Margheria, and Vignarionda, with some vines dating back to 1959.

## Interesting facts

- Vineyards include prestigious crus like Marenca, Margheria, and Vignarionda.
- Some vines on the estate were planted as early as 1959.
- The estate produces approximately 16,000 bottles of this Barolo annually.
- It is considered the most approachable of Luigi Pira's four Baroli.

## Food pairing

The wine's full body and prominent tannins are well-suited to rich, protein-heavy dishes, where they can interact with and soften the meat's fats and proteins. The wine's complexity and potential for savory notes complement game and slow-cooked meats, while its structure can stand up to robust flavors.

## Wine making process

The Luigi Pira Barolo di Serralunga 2020 is produced from 100% Nebbiolo grapes. Fermentation and maceration take place over 12-15 days in temperature-controlled horizontal tanks. Following fermentation, the wine is aged for 24 months in large Slovenian oak casks (2,500-liter botti). It then undergoes a minimum of 10 months of bottle refinement before its release. The estate employs 'practicing organic' and sustainable viticultural methods, including integrated pest and disease control, the use of natural products like sulfur and copper, organic fertilizers, and natural cover crops. Harvest is conducted manually at the end of September or early October.