Elio Altare’s Langhe Villa embodies the elegance and precision that have made this estate one of the most respected in Piedmont. While his Barolos command global reverence, the Langhe Villa serves as a more immediate expression of the Altare philosophy — purity of fruit, finesse over force, and an unwavering commitment to craft. It’s a wine that speaks clearly of its origins in La Morra, yet with the accessibility and vibrancy that make it a pleasure even in its youth.
The wine is typically a blend of Nebbiolo and Barbera, sourced from vineyards surrounding the Altare estate in the hills of La Morra. These parcels share the same meticulous farming that defines the Barolo crus: low yields, hand-harvesting, and organic viticulture guided by observation rather than dogma. The soils — calcareous marl and sandstone — give the wine its signature balance between supple fruit and mineral tension.
In the cellar, Elio and his daughter Silvia Altare apply the same precision used for their Barolos. Fermentation takes place in temperature-controlled stainless steel, ensuring the preservation of aromatics and freshness. Ageing follows in French oak barriques, part new and part used, for about 12–14 months, striking a balance between texture and purity. The result is a wine that carries all the discipline of great winemaking, but with a joyful sense of freedom.
In the glass, Langhe Villa opens with aromas of red cherry, raspberry, violet, and sweet spice, underpinned by subtle oak tones and a trace of earth. The palate is silky and poised — medium-bodied yet vibrant — with bright acidity from Barbera complementing the fine, gently firm structure of Nebbiolo. The finish is long, savoury, and fresh, leaving a memory of fruit and mineral.
While approachable on release, it can age gracefully for 5–8 years, gaining notes of dried rose, forest floor, and spice as it evolves.
Elio Altare Langhe Villa is not a “little Barolo” — it’s something more intimate: a snapshot of Piedmont through the lens of a master craftsman. It captures the Altare ethos perfectly — modern, polished, and alive — proving that even in its simplest form, great winemaking begins in the vineyard and ends in restraint.
