From: Piedmont, Italy
Blend: Sauvignon Blanc
At 340 meters above sea level, Castagna's landscape is a complex tapestry of various soil matrices, including marl of Sant’Agata Fossili and gypsum formations. This area is crucial for Burlotto, with dedicated sections for Sauvignon and Barbera grapes. The Sauvignon grapes, spanning 1.46 hectares, are key contributors to the Viridis and Dives whites. The vineyard's intricate details, including its sections in Sotto Orti and Lasagne, play a pivotal role in the wine's nuanced profile.
The Viridis' production involves meticulous hand harvesting and soft pressing to maintain grape integrity. Depending on the vintage, partial maceration might be employed, enhancing the wine's aromatic complexity. The fermentation process in steel tanks at controlled temperatures is designed to preserve the grape's natural aromatics. Notably, the malolactic fermentation is avoided, and the wine is refined on its lees in stainless steel tanks, with bottling occurring in late winter or early spring following the harvest.
Taste: Starting with a vibrant nose filled with notes of grapefruit, green pepper, and orange. This leads to a refined and elegant taste, marked by persistence and a pleasant sapidity.
Pairing: Its freshness and minerality make it a perfect match for light salads, while its complexity complements the richness of fish dishes. The wine's balance of fruitiness and sapidity ensures it can stand up to a variety of flavors, making it a valuable addition to any meal. Chilled, it becomes an ideal companion to a variety of dishes, particularly enhancing the flavors of rice salads and fish courses like seabass.
About: In the commune of Verduno, nestled within the hallowed Barolo region, lies a winery steeped in history and tradition. Founded in 1850 by Giovan Battista Burlotto, Comm. G.B. Burlotto Winery not only stands as a testament to a rich winemaking legacy but also embodies the evolution of the Barolo wine itself. Burlotto's establishment, housed in an 18th-century edifice, signals a pivotal shift from diverse agricultural practices to a passionate focus on viticulture. This transition, occurring in a period when wine cultivation was a pursuit of a visionary few, marked the beginning of a remarkable journey for Burlotto and his family winery.
The winery's façade, adorned with 32 medals, narrates the tale of pioneering production and commercial success. GiBi Burlotto, later known as Commendatore, dedicated his efforts to producing the quintessential wines of Langa. His vineyards, including the esteemed Monvigliero in Verduno and Cannubi in Barolo, were instrumental in crafting wines of exceptional pedigree. The Burlotto wines garnered acclaim as the official supplier for the Royal House of Savoy, achieving recognition at global fairs and exhibitions. This period marked a significant era for the winery, combining hard work, savoir-faire, and respect for the craft to produce wines celebrated universally.
Giovan Battista Burlotto's influence extends beyond his winery, contributing significantly to the identity of Barolo wine. His belief in the region's potential led to creation of wines characterized by elegance, aromatic complexity, and longevity. This dedication laid a foundation of consistency and love for the Langa land, a legacy that continues to bear fruit.
Following Giovan Battista's passing, the winery saw leadership through his son Francesco and his grandson Ignazio. During challenging times, including war periods, Ignazio played a crucial role in preserving the unique varietal Pelaverga wine. His determination ensured the survival and recognition of Verduno Pelaverga as a unique wine variety.
Today, the winery is under the stewardship of Marina Burlotto, alongside her husband, Giuseppe Alessandria, and their children, Fabio and Cristina. Representing the fourth and fifth generations, they continue to honor the family tradition by replicating past practices and embracing a legacy of inspired and courageous choices. This approach is reflected in their winemaking philosophy, combining respect for tradition with a contemporary perspective.
Spanning over 16 hectares across 14 crus in four municipalities, the Burlotto vineyards are a mosaic of diverse terroirs. The Barolo vineyards, especially Monvigliero, are renowned for their finesse and the subtle nuances they impart to the wine. Other vineyards contribute to producing varieties like Pelaverga piccolo, Barbera, Dolcetto, Nebbiolo, Freisa, and Sauvignon Blanc. Each vineyard, with its unique characteristics, plays a pivotal role in crafting wines that express the true essence of their origin.
Comm. G.B. Burlotto Winery is a living history of Barolo, a chronicle of a family's dedication to the land and the art of winemaking. From Giovan Battista Burlotto's pioneering spirit to the current generation's blend of tradition and innovation, the winery continues to produce wines that truly reflect their terroir, history, and the passion of those who make them. The legacy of Comm. G.B. Burlotto is not just in the bottles of wine produced but in the enduring spirit of excellence and respect for the land that continues to guide the winery's journey.