Elio Altare
Elio Altare is one of the "Barolo Boys", a group of young winegrowers from the poorest backgrounds who, in the late 1960s and following decades, worked their way up, introduced modern cellar techniques, shorter fermentation times and ageing in French barriques and were therefore extremely successful. His goal has always been to make Barolo as elegant and long-lasting as the famous Burgundy wines from which he brought the ideas. That was clearly successful.
Originally from the town of Dogliani, the Altare family bought a 5 hectares farm in La Morra back in 1948, they have made history ever since in the region, and became famous for producing wines of finesse and elegance. The vineyard were extended later, in addition to the La Morra hilly vineyards, they were purchased or leased. The Arborina vineyard at the top of the hill as well as top locations such as Canubi and Cerretta Vigna Bricco. The estate now works with exclusive and dedicated 12 hectares of premium lands, which are cultivated by the family with respect, care, all without the use of chemicals and pesticides.
Originally from the town of Dogliani, the Altare family bought a 5 hectares farm in La Morra back in 1948, they have made history ever since in the region, and became famous for producing wines of finesse and elegance. The vineyard were extended later, in addition to the La Morra hilly vineyards, they were purchased or leased. The Arborina vineyard at the top of the hill as well as top locations such as Canubi and Cerretta Vigna Bricco. The estate now works with exclusive and dedicated 12 hectares of premium lands, which are cultivated by the family with respect, care, all without the use of chemicals and pesticides.
The top location of their vineyards is Arborina. In recent years, the range has been supplemented by the "Uno per Uno", a top barolo from the Arborina cru vineyard, where the family desteps the grapes by hand and selects only the very best grapes.
In addition to the Barolo specialities, which have always received the highest awards worldwide, the Dolcetto, Barbera and Nebbiolo are also long-running favourites in the top ranks of international ratings. The Barbera Larigi or the Nebbiolo-Barbera-Cuvée La Villa as well as the Nebbiolo Giarborina have as much success as the Barolo grenades.
It is worth mentioning that Elio Altare and some of his winemaking colleagues have been sharing their success with the poor for many years because they have never forgotten how they themselves once felt. Thus the proceeds from the wine series "L'Insieme", which could be translated as "We Together", benefit charity projects.
For me, Elio Altare is definitely in my top 5 favorite barolo producers. The main reason is that I admire that he lets his stubbornness speak and pursues his vision and dream to present Barolo wine to the world in a different way. And if you can deliver that with so much quality, concentration and complexity, I have nothing but deep respect for that.
If you have the chance, you should definitely try the 'Arborina' cru. A wine that never disappoints and is of high class. A cru that is perhaps less known as Bussia, Cannubi & Brunate, but certainly no less in quality. Highly recommended!!
Top Elio Altare vintages are: 1996, 1999, 2001, 2006, 2007, 2010, 2012, 2013, 2015, 2016 and 2019.
FACTS
Year Founded: 1948
Owner: Family Altare
Annual production: approx. 60,000 bottles
Vineyard: approx. 12 hectares
Natural cultivation
Top Elio Altare vintages are: 1996, 1999, 2001, 2006, 2007, 2010, 2012, 2013, 2015, 2016 and 2019.
FACTS
Year Founded: 1948
Owner: Family Altare
Annual production: approx. 60,000 bottles
Vineyard: approx. 12 hectares
Natural cultivation
explore the wines of elio altare
Elio Altare
Via Annunziata 51
12064 La Morra CN
Italy
