Natural Elegance from the Heart of Barolo

Nestled in the rolling hills of Monforte d’Alba, Ferdinando Principiano is one of Piedmont’s most respected natural winemakers. With deep roots in the Langhe and a philosophy that champions biodiversity, tradition, and minimal intervention, his wines are celebrated for their purity, balance, and unmistakable sense of place.

A Legacy Reimagined

Ferdinando took over his family’s estate in 1993, founded in the 1950s by his father, Americo. After graduating from Alba’s Scuola Viticole Umberto I, he apprenticed with two Barolo legends: Giacomo Conterno (a traditionalist) and Roberto Voerzio (a modernist). These formative experiences helped shape his unique style—respectful of tradition, yet open to evolution.

Initially, Ferdinando followed the 1990s trend of bold, extracted Barolo wines aimed at critical acclaim. But by 2003, he grew disillusioned with their lack of aging potential and authenticity. He made a radical shift toward natural winemaking, focusing on wines that express terroir, freshness, and drinkability.

Philosophy: Wine Rooted in Nature

Since 2004, Ferdinando has farmed organically and biodynamically—though without formal certification. He avoids synthetic chemicals, uses natural preparations (like aloe and algae), and maintains rich biodiversity on the estate, even buying surrounding forestland and creating a pond to support local wildlife.

In the cellar, he relies on native yeasts, long macerations, gentle extractions, and aging in large Slavonian oak barrels. Sulfur is used sparingly or not at all, and filtration is avoided. The result is low-intervention wines that speak clearly of their origin—vibrant, aromatic, and often with lower alcohol levels (10.5–13.5%).

The Estate and Vineyards

The Principiano estate spans 20–21 hectares across Monforte d’Alba, Serralunga d’Alba, and Alta Langa, producing between 35,000 and 100,000 bottles per year. Key vineyard sites include:

• Ravera di Monforte (Monforte d’Alba)
  Historic 1934-planted Nebbiolo at 400m altitude. Sandy soils yield delicate, aromatic Barolo. Massale selection used for new plantings.

• Boscareto (Serralunga d’Alba)
  Old vines on complex marl and limestone soils. Produces the estate’s most structured Barolo. Includes a manmade pond to promote biodiversity.

• Le Coste (Monforte d’Alba)
  50-year-old Nebbiolo used for Langhe Nebbiolo and formerly for Barolo.

• Montagliato & Santa Anna (Monforte d’Alba)
  For Nebbiolo, Barbera, and Dolcetto. Montagliato, at 400m, yields fresh Langhe Nebbiolo.

• Alta Langa
  High-altitude plots (750m) for rare varieties like Timorasso and Slarina, on pure limestone soils.

Principiano’s vineyards are surrounded by forests—an unusual sight in the Langhe—creating a rich, balanced ecosystem. The steep slopes of Ravera require fully manual work, further reflecting Ferdinando’s hands-on approach.

The Wines

Ferdinando Principiano crafts a diverse range of natural wines, from classic Barolo to obscure local grapes, all made with minimal sulfur, no filtration, and spontaneous fermentation.

Barolo DOCG

• Barolo di Serralunga
  From younger Boscareto vines. Fresh and approachable, with tar, roses, and classic structure. Aged 2 years in large botti.

• Barolo Ravera di Monforte
  From 90-year-old vines, just 2,000 bottles made. Wild herbs, earthy minerality, and fine-grained tannins.

• Barolo Boscareto
  The flagship cru. Structured and savory, with floral lift and vivid fruit. Aged in large oak for 2 years.

Other Reds

• Langhe Nebbiolo DOC
  From Le Coste, Montagliato, and Boscareto. Stainless steel vinification. Bright, pure, and youthful.

• Dosset (Dolcetto)
  Early-picked, 10.5% ABV, no sulfur. Lively, juicy, and easy-drinking—perfect for everyday enjoyment.

• Dolcetto Sant’Anna
  Richer Dolcetto aged in 400L barrels. Notes of cherry, spice, and blackberries.

• Barbera d’Alba “Laura”
  From a 100-year-old vineyard. Intense and floral with mineral tension and long maceration. ~400 bottles/year.

• Langhe Rosso (Slarina)
  Rare indigenous grape. Rustic and aromatic, with wild berry character.

• Chila Freisa DOC
  Bold and tannic, with Nebbiolo-like grip and earthy spice. Just 3,000 bottles.

White & Sparkling Wines

• Langhe Bianco (Timorasso)
  From limestone-rich Alta Langa. Crisp, herbal, and mineral-driven. Limited production.

• Belén Extra Brut Rosé
  Sparkling Barbera, bottle-fermented with grape must, no dosage. Pale, dry, and refreshingly gastronomic.

A Quiet Revolution in Barolo

Ferdinando Principiano represents a new generation of Barolo producers: grounded in tradition, deeply respectful of nature, and unafraid to evolve. His wines are not just expressions of terroir—they are expressions of thought, care, and a desire to make wine with the land, not just from it.

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