XTREME PIEDMONT

This wine-intensive tour offers an in-depth look at Barolo—its history, terrain, and key players, past and present.  Learn about Barolo’s aristocratic origins in the 19th century and its renaissance in the 1970s. Tour Barolo’s key communes, from La Morra to Monforte. And visit the new Wine Bank in Pollenzo, a Slow Foods project. Plus, enjoy Piedmont’s elegant, French-influenced cuisine.

 HIGHLIGHTS

• Private tastings at Elio Altare, Bruno Giacosa, Aldo Contero, Produttori del Barbaresco, Braida & more

• The Wine Bank in Pollenzo

• Lunch at a cheese farm and at the Marchesi di Barolo winery

• Gourmet wine dinners

Day 1 – Barolo’s Birthplace

Visit the Castle of Barolo where Barolo wine was created in the mid-1800s, then lunch at the Marchesi di Barolo winery. Second tasting at Renato Ratti, a leader in the renaissance in Barolo with a new state-of-the-art winery. Our third visit is Elio Altare, the most influential innovator in the Langhe. A welcome dinner in the medieval city of Alba introduces the elegant cuisine of Piedmont, such as risotto, plin (tiny ravioli), Barolo-braised beef, and hazelnut-and-chocolate desserts like bounet. L, D

Day 2 – BAROLO GROUND ZERO

Tour & tasting at Ceretto, a hunting lodge of King Carlo Alberto. Still family-run, Ceretto is known both for its innovative architectural commissions and its portfolio of Barolo wines and Arneis. Afterwards, head up the road to Vietti, one of the most admired names in Piemont wine based on Barolo and Barbera from prized sites. Our third tasting takes us to Pio Cesare, one of the oldest estates in Piedmont. Located in the city of Alba, the wine cellar contains visible remnants of the city’s Roman foundations. Dinner in Alba at a Slow Food restaurant. B, D 

Day 3 – MOUNTAIN CHEESE

Founded in 1870, Aldo Conterno was the first to export Barolo to the U.S. Today son Giacomo will discuss their traditionalist approach. Afterwards we head to the cheese town of Murrazano where a have a buffer lunch at an artisan cheese & salumi farm. Afterwards, we visit Pollenzo, where King Carlo Alberto built a magnificent hunting lodge. Today this regal property houses a food & wine complex and La Banca del Vino, or Wine Bank. Then we head to Bra and the Matteo Ascheri winery for a tour, tasting, and dinner at his restaurant. B, D

Day 4 – BARBARESCO

Our introduction to Barbaresco is at the Produttori del Barbaresco, one of Italy’s most highly respected cooperatives. Next we visit Bruno Giacosa, a staunch traditionalist known for his intimate knowledge of terroir. Afterward, we visit a modernist producer, Marchesi di Gresy. Then in Alba there’s time on your own to search for older Barolo vintages in well-stocked wine shops, pick up precious white truffles in the gourmet shops, or visit the baroque and medieval churches. B

Day 5 – BAROLO’s INNOVATORS

Sandrone is a modernist with an eye on the past; he has vineyards in the best cru of Barolo: Cannubi Boschis. After our tasting and lunch, we move towards Asti and Braida, the estate of Giacomo Bologna. Now deceased, this man single-handedly revolutionized Barbera d’Asti. We’ll hear this Cinderella story and taste through the estate’s wines, which range from frizzante Barbera to barrique-aged powerhouses. Our farewell dinner is in Alba at Restaurant Piola, owned by Ceretto winery. B, D

Day 6 – ARRIVEDERCI!

A shuttle to the Asti or Tortona train station and assistance with your travel plans. B

For more details, see website.