Sandrone Luciano - Barbera D'Alba 2013 Ml. 750

The Azienda Luciano Sandrone is dedicated to producing Nebbiolo of the Barolo and Roero zones to the highest qualitative levels possible. Every bottle of Sandrone wine is made with the same careful attention to artisanal tradition, supported by modern techniques and hand labor. 
The three Nebbiolo bottlings are each unique winemaking statements that reflect a perfect fusion of the terroir, the vines and the Sandrone winery. They are three distinct expressions of a single vision and purpose, and each is a result of a careful interaction between nature and winemaking. None of these is a "second wine" or inferior to its brothers in any way. Valmaggiore shows incredible perfume, elegance and finesse in a relatively lighter structure so characteristic of the Roero. Barolo Cannubi Boschis is a perfect expression of its vineyard's beautiful exposure and soils through its pure, focused fruit and tannins. Barolo Le Vigne pays homage to the historically significant style of "assemblaggio" wine through its complex and layered structure that unfolds with patience and concentration. 
The Sandrone vision is to produce wines that reflect the cultural history and winemaking traditions of the Barolo and Roero, while incorporating the finest and most appropriate modern technology to make balanced, ageworthy wines of purity, elegance and harmony.

VINEYARDS

To best express the unique terroir of each vineyard site, the winery uses the same practices over all its vineyards, whether owned or rented. 
All vines are planted relatively close as vineyards are replanted and renovated to encourage competition and a degree of plant stress. Guyot basso training is used on all varietals. A minimum of 2 green harvests are performed each vintage. Minimal quantities of Bordeaux mixture and sulfur (as allowed per organic practices) are used to control mold and fungus. Canopy management is the same at every vineyard, and defoliation is on the west side of the plant for maximum afternoon sun if and when needed. Fertilization is every 4-6 years with composted manure from dairy cows only. 
The Sandrone family farms a total of 27 hectares (some production is sold in bulk from less-favored sites), of which approximately ¾ are owned by the estate. Once a site is decided upon, it is analyzed for the best possible planting situation in terms of varietal, clonal selection, orientation of the vines and rows and any needed improvements in drainage or access. Some vineyards when purchased or rented are ready with established plants, others have required extensive renovation and modification. The family strives to find and secure the best possible sites for all of its bottlings.