Pira

The Pira family works as a team with the principal goal of expressing the extraordinary character of their vineyards in the wines. The company is run by the Pira brothers, Gianpaolo and Romolo, as well as Gianpaolo’s wife Tiziana, and his daughters Annalisa and Elena. Gianpaolo oversees the completely renovated cellar where his meticulous winemaking is aided by spotless modern equipment. Romolo tends the vineyards, implementing natural viticulture, where no herbicides are sprayed, and low grape yields ensure concentration in the wines. Tiziana, Annalisa and Elena are responsible for company promotional events, managing orders, reservations, shipments & accounting, and welcoming visitors to the cellar. 

The estate is in the heart of the Barolo production area, encompassing nearly 13 hectares of limestone clay rich soil. Pira produces single vineyard Barolo from plots owned in Vigna Rionda, Vigna Marenca and Vigna Margheria, three crus reputed to be the best in the township of Serralunga. In the 1950s, grapes and wine were sold in bulk. In the following years, small quantities of Barolo “base” were bottled. In 1993, the brothers decided to produce the Barolo Margheria and Marenca, followed by Barolo Vigna Rionda in 1997.  Barolo Margheria, made from vines over 50 years old, is the most classical. Barolo Marenca and Barolo Vigna Rionda are structured, complex, with a lot of muscle and longer ageing. All three wines are typical of the great terroir of Serralunga, austere with mineral notes. The outstanding Dolcetto d’Alba, also made from vines in Serralunga, is rich, concentrated and reflects the character of this zone through and through. A pleasant and well balanced Langhe Nebbiolo, in which the telltale smooth tannins of Serralunga are detectable, and an enveloping, full bodied Barbera d’Alba Superiore are also made.