Flavio Roddolo – “I am just a humble farmer”

Flavio Roddolo holds a place among the best winemakers in Langhe of all time, and he has certainly been one of our favorite for quite a while. Shy to the point of being unfriendly, it took years to gain his trust and respect. Flavio is and wants to be considered “un contadino”, a farmer tending to his vineyards, making the best wine according to his own taste and style. “I tried hiring an enologist once to have a second opinion” he told me once, “I sent him home after 2 hours”.

The winery and the house where Flavio lives is on top of “Bricco Appiani”, right at the border of the Barolo appellation in Monforte D’alba. Flavio is a member of the old guard: “I follow my instinct and my experience, I pick the grapes and I bottle the wines when I feel like it’s the best time to do it” and as a result his wines are extremely personal and unique. The Barbera 2011, the current release, is among the best wines from this varietal we have tasted in our entire carrier as Sommelier. The same applies to all his wines: the Nebbiolo follows exactly the same procedure of the Barolo, with the only difference of being from a vineyard that lies right outside the DOCG. Do not worry, it’s just as good. The “Bricco Appiani” is a Cabernet Sauvignon that he treats exactly like a Barolo putting together the best of Bordeaux and Langhe.

“Exceptional” is the perfect word to describe his wines, it was such a privilege to meet him and to be able to share such an amazing experience with our Wine Club Members. His Barolo is getting harder and harder to find, we only have a few in our cellars that will go out as private orders only.