Roberto Voerzio

Roberto Voerzio is indisputably one of the elite of Piedmont. He set up in La Morra in 1987 when he began the process of purchasing or leasing the most important vineyards for cru Barolo. The Gambero Rosso guide to Italian wines sums up Voerzio’s approach so well that we can’t do any better; so here it is: “The formula is simple but effective: extremely prestigious plots (at La Serra, Sarmassa, Cerequio, Brunate, Pozzo del’ Annunziata and Capalot [and now Rocche]), traditional varieties (barbera and nebbiolo), vines with advanced average age, very low yields obtained by severe pruning, and meticulous vinification that aims to bring out the superb quality of the grapes. The result is a range of wines of enormous character whose new vintages have swept the boards.” Voerzio’s style is broadly characterized by great richness and concentration, huge complexity, silky textures, fine acidities and initially austere tannins. We have little Barolo at present since Voerzio gave the 2002 vintage a miss. We expect to receive the 2003 around May. However, we do very happily have stock of his divine Dolcetto (for the first time in three years), of Barbera from the Ceretto vineyard and of Nebbiolo Langhe. The Ceretto particularly has utterly beguiling elegance, silkiness and richness. The Pozzo is always a highlight: available only in magnums it is potent with sweet, rich fruit and impressive intensity.