Luciano Sandrone Valmaggiore Nebbiolo d’Alba 2022 comes from the iconic Valmaggiore vineyard, a three-hectare amphitheatre-shaped site in Roero that has played a defining role in re-establishing the region’s reputation for serious Nebbiolo. When Luciano Sandrone planted here over 30 years ago, Roero was still largely dismissed as peripheral to Barolo and Barbaresco. Drawing on his experience working Roero fruit at Marchesi di Barolo, he saw its potential early, despite the challenges: extreme 50% slopes, highly sandy soils prone to drought and erosion, and the significant investment required to terrace and replant the vineyard.

Today, Valmaggiore is farmed with meticulous, largely organic practices and strict fruit selection to preserve purity and precision. The result is a distinctly lifted and perfumed style of Nebbiolo that stands apart from the denser, more structured expressions of Barolo and Barbaresco. It leans toward elegance, aromatics, and finesse, often drawing comparisons to Burgundy in its texture and aromatic profile.

Vinification is carried out in tank, followed by malolactic fermentation and maturation in old French demi-muids for approximately 9–12 months. This gentle élevage preserves the wine’s freshness while adding subtle depth and complexity without masking its aromatic clarity.

The 2022 vintage shows a refined, silky expression, with red cherry fruit, rose petal, crushed flowers, spice and a delicate confectionary lift. The palate is finely detailed and graceful, with a linear structure and polished tannins, finishing long, perfumed and precise.

“The 2022 Nebbiolo d’Alba Valmaggiore is a very pretty, aromatic wine. Crushed flowers, ripe red-toned fruit, kirsch, cinnamon, rose petal and hard candy all grace this silky, perfumed Nebbiolo. The 2022 is distinctly Pinot-leaning in its inner sweetness and mid-weight feel.”
90 points, Antonio Galloni, Vinous