The Giovanni Battista Burlotto estate north-west of the Barolo vineyards in Verduno, is a traditional Piedmont family business. Founded in 1850 by Ignazio Burlotto, the domaine was then handed down to his nephew Giovanni Battista Burlotto, who spent almost 77 years building up the quality and reputation of its wines. In the late nineteenth century, the domaine acquired a strong international reputation. Giovanni Battista Burlotto passed away in 1927 and the domaine went into decline for several years until Fabio Alessandria, great-grandson of the founder, revived the domaine’s fortunes and its outstanding reputation. The vineyard covers 12 hectares, half of which are planted with Nebbiolo, and the other grape varieties include Barbera, Dolcetto, Pelaverga, Sauvignon and Freisa. The vines are tended carefully in the traditional manner, with grass cover in the vine rows and minimal tillage. Massal selection is favoured for replacing vines. In the wine cellar the work is also traditional: destemming, grape treading, fermentation with indigenous yeasts in old open wooden conical casks; long macerations (up to two months) and no filtering or fining. This is a reference domaine for the region and a safe bet.

Acclivi can be translated as "steep" in English. An appropriate description of the hills of Verduno! This is an immense, refined, silky, concentrated Barolo, born on the slopes of Verduno and raised in parcels from Monvigliero, Neirane and Rocche Dell'Olm. The local soil is silty limestone - perfect for obtaining the very best fom the Nebbiolo grape. The nose exudes aromas of cherry liqueur, black berries, flowers and smoke. The palate is concentrated. The superb texture of this Barolo is quite striking. A wine that can easily be kept for 15-20 years. However, it is so good when young, you may not be able to wait that long!