About this wine
Monvigliero is widely regarded as one of Barolo's greatest crus, and Castello di Verduno's bottling comes from a single plot atop the hill, with vines planted in 1967. It grows on the estate's signature Marne di Sant'Agata soil — a mix of clay, sand, and limestone — that gives Monvigliero its trademark combination of perfume and structure. Since the 2019 vintage, the non-riserva bottling blends estate fruit with purchased grapes from the same cru, while the estate's riserva remains 100% estate-grown.
A benchmark cru Barolo — best approached once you already know you love Nebbiolo's tension between perfume and power.
Sommelier's Note
"Monvigliero is often called Barolo's most 'feminine' cru for its perfume — but don't mistake elegance for lightness; this wine has the structure to age for decades."
Food Pairings
Elegant enough for white truffle dishes, yet structured enough for braised short rib — a Barolo for the finest occasions.
When to drink it
Landmark celebrations, fine dining, serious cellaring
Specs
- Grape Varieties
- Nebbiolo
- Style
- Red
- Price Range
- Reference estimate converted from US retail (~$100): approx. ¥19,000-24,000 (actual Japan retail pricing may differ; not confirmed as currently imported to Japan)
Terroir & Winemaking
Nebbiolo from a single plot atop the Monvigliero hill, vines planted in 1967, on Marne di Sant'Agata soil (clay, sand, and limestone). Since the 2019 vintage the non-riserva bottling includes both estate-grown and purchased fruit from the same cru. Fermented with indigenous yeasts and aged in large Slavonian oak botti, unfined and unfiltered.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Why is Monvigliero considered one of Barolo's top crus?
- It's prized for a rare combination of perfumed elegance and firm structure, thanks to its Marne di Sant'Agata soil of clay, sand, and limestone, and its warm, well-exposed position in Verduno.
- Is the non-riserva Monvigliero 100% estate fruit?
- No — since the 2019 vintage, the non-riserva bottling blends estate-grown fruit with purchased grapes from the same cru; the riserva remains entirely estate fruit.
- How old are the vines?
- The estate's plot atop Monvigliero was planted in 1967.
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バルバレスコ ラバヤ
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