Giovanni Canonica
The Hidden Master of Barolo
Tucked away in the historic center of Barolo village, Giovanni Canonica is one of the region’s most enigmatic and revered winemakers. Working quietly and without fanfare, he produces some of the purest and most soulful wines in Piedmont—sought after by collectors and natural wine lovers alike for their authenticity, elegance, and age-worthy character.
A Discreet Legacy
Canonica’s family has lived and worked in Barolo for generations, originally as contadini (small farmers). Giovanni began bottling under his own name in 1983, while continuing to run the family’s small inn and restaurant just steps from his cellar. With no formal training, no marketing, and only about 2 hectares of vines, Canonica has remained fiercely independent, focused solely on crafting wines that reflect his values and his land.
He is a traditionalist, but not in the textbook sense—eschewing chemicals, embracing native yeasts and long macerations, but guided mostly by instinct and observation rather than trends or ideology. His cellar is small, humble, and entirely hands-on.
Philosophy: Minimalism with Soul
Canonica’s approach is grounded in respect—for the soil, the vines, and the natural rhythms of winemaking. His vineyards are organically farmed (though not certified), and no synthetic chemicals are used. The grapes are harvested by hand, and in the cellar, fermentations are spontaneous with native yeasts. No enzymes, no fining, no filtration, and only a minimal amount of sulfur at bottling, if any.
His wines are aged in old Slavonian oak botti, and macerations are long—often 20 to 40 days, depending on the vintage. Everything is done on a human scale, with an emphasis on patience, balance, and quiet precision.
The Vineyards
Giovanni Canonica works just 2 hectares of vines, mostly in Paiagallo, a historic cru just above the village of Barolo. Facing southeast and located at around 300 meters altitude, this vineyard produces Nebbiolo of remarkable finesse and aromatic complexity.
Paiagallo (Barolo DOCG)
A lesser-known cru, but one Canonica has made his own. The soils are calcareous marl, and the resulting wines are perfumed, structured, and hauntingly elegant.Langhe plots
In addition to Nebbiolo, Canonica grows small amounts of Dolcetto and Barbera in nearby plots, which go into his lively and expressive Langhe reds.
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USA
Saratoga Wine Exchange: This retailer has carried various vintages of Giovanni Canonica's Barolo, including both his Commune Di Grinzane Cavour and Paiagallo cuvées. https://www.saratogawine.com/producer/giovanni-canonica/
Flatiron Wines & Spirits: With locations in New York and San Francisco, this is a top retailer for fine and rare wines and a good place to look for Giovanni Canonica. https://nyc.flatiron-wines.com/collections/giovanni-canonica
Benchmark Wine Group: This is a major fine and rare wine retailer that often has a selection of Giovanni Canonica's wines, though they are frequently sold on a pre-arrival basis. https://www.benchmarkwine.com/winery/6591-giovanni-canonica
Vanderbilt Ave Wine Merchants: This Brooklyn-based wine shop has stocked Giovanni Canonica's wines. https://vwm.wine/
Wine-Searcher: This is a valuable tool for finding local prices and retailers for Giovanni Canonica's wines, as it aggregates information from various merchants. https://www.wine-searcher.com/
UK
Shrine to the Vine: This retailer often features special parcels of highly allocated wines and has had offers for Giovanni Canonica in the past. https://shrinetothevine.co.uk/collections/giovanni-canonica
Callmewine UK: This online retailer has carried various vintages of his Barolo, including "Paiagallo." https://www.callmewine.com/en/barolo-paiagallo-giovanni-canonica-2021-P60042.htm
Farr Vintners: This fine wine merchant has stocked Giovanni Canonica's Barolo, though they are often sold on an "in bond" basis. https://www.farrvintners.com/
Asset Wines: This retailer has a dedicated page for Giovanni Canonica and has carried his Barolo from various vintages. https://assetwines.com/producer/giovanni-canonica/
Japan
Wine-Searcher (Japan): This is a useful tool to see which online shops in Japan may have his wines in stock.
Callmewine: While their headquarters are in Italy, they ship to some international locations, and their website is a good place to check for new releases.
Italy
ViniGrandi: This German-based retailer has a strong focus on Italian wines and has carried a range of Giovanni Canonica's wines. https://weinpoint.de/giovanni-canonica_1
Lieu-Dit: This retailer focuses on natural, organic, and biodynamic wines and has a page dedicated to Giovanni Canonica. https://lieu-dit.dk/en/producent/giovanni-canonica-en/
XtraWine: This online wine shop often lists wines from prestigious producers like Giovanni Canonica. https://www.xtrawine.com/en-dk/collections/canonica-giovanni