Barolo, Piedmont
Giovanni Canonica is a hidden legend in the hamlet of Barolo and he needs no introduction to Piedmont aficionados. He and his family run a small agriturismo where he makes, in the underground cellars, his wines. Gianni, Giovanni is the name of his father, produces stunning wines from about 4 acres hectares of vines in the Paiagallo vineyard, juston the slope above the village of Barolo, and another small plot of land in Grinzane. His wines are real gems, so much so that he has become an iconic figure among wine lovers from all corners of the globe, something that this humble and warm soul definitely did not seek to obtain.
Although his approach is rooted in traditional methods in the cellar, the wines produced at this tiny estate are truly singular expressions of Nebbiolo. Upon first pour it's clear the aromatic profile, supple tannins, and ultra-pure fruit sits very much outside the box of what's the norm in Piedmont.
Canonica’s Barolos are known for their elusiveness as much as for their transparency and outrageously vivid perfume. All the works are traditional and natural in the vineyards, as well as in the cellar. Canonica’s work is super old-fashioned in the vines, with no chemicals used. In the cellar, the same approach: foot-pressed grapes, indigenous yeast fermentation, no temperature control, very long fermentation in wood, aging in botti (very large wood barrels) and very minimal sulphur used throughout.
Production is extremely small. He didn't release any bottle in the beginning, and several hundred bottles had been released in early 2000's, and around 6.000 bottles even today, generally sold out before most people even have the chance to think about purchasing them. He doesn't release wine in case that he is not satisfied with quality.
"Canonica's Barolos reflect artisan values that are increasingly rare in Piedmont. The production is tiny and sells out immediately. Whoever can find these traditionally made wines should not hesitate, as they are full of character and well worth the effort of tracking down". Antonio Galloni, Vinous
Main Wines
Barbera d'Alba
Nebbiolo d'Alba
Barolo del Comune di Grinzane Cavour
Barolo Paiagallo