Luigi Pira

In the 50s Luigi Pira decided to focus on grapes and wine, in the following decades he sold grapes and open wine to the biggest wineries in the area of Alba which sought after high quality products from Serralunga d'Alba. It was a first step towards its own production, which was impressed in this earth and able to give great red wines, Barolo above all. In the early 90s Gianpaolo, Luigi's son, started to take part in the winery management, and the wine quality became the key factor. Today Gianpaolo is flanked by his brothers Romolo and Claudio.

All the wine that comes from the historical vines of the family is bottled, the Nebbiolo grapes destined to the production of Barolo which come from the crus are processed separately for Barolo Vigna Marenca, Barolo Vigna Margheria, Barolo Vignarionda and Barolo Serralunga.

Over the last few years the winery has focused on two main aspects: on the one hand they have bet on a wine which reflects the grape quality attained thanks to the special characteristics of the hills of Serralunga d'Alba, in the very heart of the Barolo district. On the other hand they have developed their marketing potential based on quality with the collaboration of Marc De Grazia. The market has rewarded this approach, especially in Europe and North America.

Serralunga, in the heart of Barolo. From there the view extends over the boundaries of a territory characterized by a long hill crest that starts in the north, from a plain, to become steeper in the southern part. The eastern side is opposite Diano d'Alba, while the western side overlooks Monforte d'Alba. It is an essential part of the Barolo district, Serralunga is at its very heart.

The Pira family cultivate their vines here, more precisely on the western side, whose shape is characterized by wide strips of land with hollows and slopes and whose microclimate and terroir give grapes for excellent wines. In Serralunga Barolo is unique, as is its taste, perfume and body. The Barolo produced by Pira Luigi confirms this rule: from the mineral notes of Barolo Margheria to the power of Barolo Marenca and to the elegance of Barolo Vignarionda.

The largest part of the vineyards is located in the territory of Serralunga d'Alba, on the western side of the hills opposite the village of Monforte d'Alba. These hills produce great, full-bodied wines thanks to their special features, which enable a natural development of the vine, in the very heart of the Barolo district. The special attention paid to the care of the vineyards allows them to find the right balance between tradition and modernity, obtaining a product that is the best expression of its area. There is quality in every single stage.

Vigna Marenca. This cru extends over 2 hectares. It is located in Serralunga d'Alba with a western exposure in a calcareous-clayish soil. Vines were planted again in 1990 and produce grapes that give a powerful Barolo with typical features.

Vigna Margheria. 1.5 hectares for the oldest cru of Cantina Pira Luigi. The 50-year old vines are planted in a calcareous-clayish soil, with western exposure, in Serralunga d'Alba. They give a classic and elegant Barolo, which is ready to drink a few years after the barrel ageing.

Vignarionda. The youngest cru, whose first vintage was 1997, were planted in 1994. It has a western exposure and is located in Serralunga d'Alba and is characterized by a calcareous-clayish soil. The grapes give a powerful and full-bodied wine. Vignarionda produces the most typical Barolo of Serralunga d'Alba.

Barolo Vines. Besides the crus, Pira Luigi also produces the Barolo Serralunga, obtained from Nebbiolo grapes destined to the production of Barolo and cultivated on "Le Rivette" vines and from the vineyards located in the lowest part of Marenca and Margheria. Its western exposure and the calcareous-clayish soil give a classic and full-bodied Barolo.

Langhe Nebbiolo Vines. 1.5 hectares of Nebbiolo vines were planted in 1999 in the commune of Serralunga d'Alba. The grapes are used exclusively for the production of Langhe Nebbiolo. The vines have a south/south-western exposure and the soil is calcareous-clayish. This Nebbiolo is very balanced and direct.

Barbera D'alba Vines. Two hectares purchased in 1999 are located on the boundary between Serralunga d'Alba and Roddino. South-western exposure, calcareous-clayish soil, 12-year-old vines: these grapes produce a high quality Barbera which is aged one year in oak barrels.

Dolcetto D'alba Vines. A 30-year-old vineyard located in Serralunga d'Alba. North-western exposure and calcareous-clayish soil: these grapes give an intense and rich Dolcetto that reaches the same quality level as the DOCG Langhe Dolcetto.

Top quality red wines. It is a precious gift of the earth that the Pira family was able to cultivate, in the name of quality. They only produce red wines: Barolo, the King, is flanked by Dolcetto d'Alba, Langhe Nebbiolo and Barbera d'Alba (mentioned in order of the number of bottles produced).

Their labels are Barolo Vignarionda, Barolo Margheria, Barolo Marenca, Barolo Serralunga, Dolcetto d'Alba, Langhe Nebbiolo and Barbera d'Alba. A selection of top wines which you should taste, to enjoy also in your heart the territory of the Langhe.