Monforte d'Alba, Barolo, Piedmont
Alberto Ballarin
Alberto Ballarin is a family estate based in Monforte d'Alba, one of the great communes of the Barolo zone. The cellar centres on a small parcel in Bussia, one of Monforte's most historic and respected crus, an amphitheatre of clay-limestone marl facing south. The Barolo is made in a polished, contemporary style, fermented in stainless steel and aged a little over two years in French oak, giving floral, silky wines with a firm core. Alongside it sit fresh, food-loving everyday reds led by Barbera d'Alba. An approachable, well-made introduction to serious Piedmont.
Wines currently available
Explore the wines currently available from this estate at Lamont's Cottesloe.
2024 Barbera d'Alba
$34 per bottle
Barbera is Piedmont's everyday joy, all juicy fruit and bright acidity with no need for age, and Ballarin's is a fresh, well-made example from the Langhe. Dark cherry and plum, a savoury edge and that mouth-watering Barbera lift, it is the wine to pour with dinner any night of the week. The lively counterpoint to the serious Barolo.
2021 Barolo Bricco Rocca
$122 per bottle
Bricco Rocca closes the small ridge running down from Annunziata in La Morra, a south-facing site of blue marl and clay farmed by Alberto Ballarin. Aged a little over two years in French oak, this is a polished, contemporary Barolo: rose and violet, sweet spice and red cherry, with silky tannins over a firm core. The 2021 vintage is hailed as a benchmark for the region, ripe and refined, built to reward a decade in the cellar.
94 points, James Suckling, jamessuckling.com “Lovely nose with tar, violets and roses, as well as licorice. Very complex and enveloping on the nose. The palate...”
“Lovely nose with tar, violets and roses, as well as licorice. Very complex and enveloping on the nose. The palate is very harmonious with focused, delineated fruit at the blue end of the spectrum. Polished tannins with linear acidity. Very well integrated and solid. Better in 2027.”
92 points, Jeff Porter, Wine Enthusiast “From this famed cru comes a wine that feels like an old soul in a modern suit. Dark cherry and...”
“From this famed cru comes a wine that feels like an old soul in a modern suit. Dark cherry and plum essences mingle with tar, dried herbs, and that classic Bussia iron minerality. The palate shows both power and poise, with blackberry tea and crushed violets riding those perfectly tailored tannins. There's a quiet confidence here that speaks volumes. Drink Now - 2040”
Enquiries and future availability
Interested in a wine from this estate that isn't currently listed? Contact us about availability and future shipments.
Email: store@lamontscott.com.au | Phone: 9385 0666