Barolo DOCG Le Coste Di Monforte, Lalu 2020

Lalù is a young Langhe project founded in 2019 by Lara Rocchetti and Luisa Sala, two winemakers who arrived without inherited vineyards but with a clear point of view. After meeting at the University of Gastronomic Sciences in Pollenzo, they built experience through harvests in both Piemonte and Burgundy, working with producers such as Comtes Lafon, Cécile Tremblay and Trediberri before establishing their own winery between La Morra and Serralunga d’Alba. Their work centres on a small number of vineyard sites, including their own Roncaglie parcel planted in 2015, and reflects a measured, detail focused approach that sidesteps the usual modernist versus traditionalist framing. Instead, the emphasis is on site, balance and control in both vineyard and cellar, with each parcel handled separately and vinified with the aim of preserving its individual character.

Barolo Le Coste di Monforte comes from a single south facing vineyard in Monforte d’Alba at around 420 metres altitude, one of the highest and most southerly crus in the commune, bordered by Alta Langa and aligned with sites such as Gavarini, Ginestra and Mosconi. The vineyard sits on Tortonian aged Sant’Agata Fossil Marl, characterised here by a higher sand content than many surrounding Barolo soils, producing a slightly more lifted and finely structured expression of Nebbiolo. The altitude and exposure generate strong diurnal range and consistent airflow, helping maintain vine health while encouraging slow, late ripening and phenolic precision. The 2020 vintage reflects this site driven structure, with a naturally firm backbone balanced by clarity of fruit. Vinification follows the domaine’s parcel specific approach, with fermentation in large Austrian oak vats, partial or adapted whole cluster use depending on vintage, and extended maceration where appropriate, including submerged cap techniques. Elevage takes place in Austrian oak barrels, allowing structure to integrate without overt oak influence. The wine shows sour cherry, redcurrant and blood orange, with rose petal, dried herbs and tarry spice. The palate is structured and vertical, with firm but refined tannins, bright acidity and a long, mineral driven finish that reflects both altitude and sandy marl influence.

Origin Italy, Piedmont, Barolo DOCG, Monforte d’Alba

Grapes Nebbiolo

Vintage 2020

Alcohol 14.0%

Style Structured, vertical, mineral

Bottle size 75cl

Winemaking Fermentation in large Austrian oak vats with parcel specific whole cluster use depending on vintage, extended maceration including submerged cap where appropriate, followed by élevage in Austrian oak barrels, focused on structure, aromatic precision and site transparency

Notes Low intervention, Sustainable Viticulture