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.

Produced for the first time in 1982, this cuvée is a critically important one from the grower's point of view. Produced from a two-hectare parcel, it is vinified with extreme care. The grapes are not destemmed, and are crushed by foot before the refined tannins and delicate flavours are extracted. An extended period of maceration enables optimal extraction of colour, flavours and substance, and also softens the tannic structure. Next (and lastly), the wine is then matured for a long period (two years) in old casks. It is now ready for extended keeping, offering unparalleled concentration, balance and elegance.