Our Visit to Ferdinando Principiano, November 20, 2025

Date of visit: November 20, 2025

The final stop of our trip was Ferdinando Principiano, a producer who’s quietly turning out some of the most compelling wines produced in Langhe year after year. Some new and interesting news for the winery; an olive grove has been planted using a selection of olives resistant to cold, and next year they will likely have their first small olive oil production. They’ve also planted additional lavender, and are continuing their ongoing efforts of preserving natural forests. As mentioned before, Ferdinando Principiano places a heavy emphasis on sustainability and biodiversity, more so than even some of the most environmentally conscious producers that we know of. These principles are at the foundation of every decision they make, and are never an afterthought.

Tasting notes:

2020 Alta Langa “Leonardo”: Made from 60% Pinot Noir, and 40% Chardonnay, disgorged a little over 1 year ago, no sugar is added during secondary fermentation (produced via “SoloUva” method, vines are located at 750 meters above sea level, 5,000 bottles produced. Aromas of white sugar, white flower and lemon pith. Super fine perlage, crisp and clean, with vibrant acidity, and a persistent finish.

2023 Langhe Rosso (Slarina): Planted in 2016 in Alta Langa at 720-750 meters above sea level. The nose is very fresh, with notes of crushed pomegranates, white pepper, and some anise. Soft and supple tannins. Somewhat similar to Pelaverga, especially the aromas due to the spiciness of it, though the palate is a bit rounder. Always a wine that we enjoy a great deal. 

2024 Dolcetto d’Alba: Notes of black pepper and black fruits on the nose. The palate is very juicy, fresh, fruit forward and light. Soft, supple, very fine tannins, which cling to the palate on the finish, with great fruit to back them up. 

2023 Barbera d’Alba: Planted in soil which is primarily limestone. 30% of fruit was lost to mildew, but the fruit which survived was ultimately very good. Vibrant and bright crushed red and black cherries, pomegranates. and roses. The palate has great purity of fruit and energy. Juicy and mouthwatering. 

2022 Langhe Freisa: Fruity and slightly rustic on the nose with notes of campfire, new leather, amarena cherries, and licorice. Fruity, juicy, and relatively light on the palate, with good balance, and super fine tannins which gently grip the palate through to the finish.

2023 Langhe Nebbiolo: Pronounced aromas of cranberries, figs, and an abundance of red fruits, very floral. The palate is very approachable and ready for immediate enjoyment today. Juicy and fresh, with soft tannins, nice balance, great purity of fruit, and a persistent finish. An excellent Langhe Nebbiolo. 

2021 Barolo del Comune di Serralunga d'Alba: Grown primarily in limestone soils. Vines were planted in the 60s, 70s, and 90s. Super pronounced and inviting aromas of roses, licorice, and raspberries. The palate is elegant and pure, yet structured, delivering energetic acidity which reverberates through the palate, with a great tannic backbone, purity of fruit, and impeccable balance. 

2021 Barolo Ravera: Planted in mostly sandy soils, Ravera is home to the estates oldest vines, with the majority having been planted in 1934, supplemented by some newer vines which were planted in 2012. Aromas of fresh tobacco, cherries, campfire, and cacao. The palate delivers notes of amarena cherries, roses, cranberries, and licorice. It’s super approachable, with tannins which effortlessly glide across the palate, and very gently bite on the finish, alongside fresh acidity. It’s incredibly approachable and enjoyable today, but possesses the potential to age really nicely over the next decade or so. A really incredible Barolo. 

2020 Barolo Boscareto: The only wine in the portfolio which undergoes whole cluster fermentation. It spends 2 years in barrel followed by 2 years in bottle prior to release. Alpine herbs, mint, licorice, and wild strawberries rise from the glass. The palate is structured, with powerful, broad, bracing, grippy tannins, balanced out by great fruit, vibrant acidity, excellent freshness, and red cherries and herbal notes. A really gorgeous Barolo. 

2012 Barolo Boscareto: An abundance of mint, rose, aged authentic Aceto Balsamico, and cacao. The palate is perfectly mature, and is showing absolutely beautifully today. 2012 marks a turning point at the estate, starting with this vintage Ferdinando made the decision to reduce green harvesting, chemicals, and canopy management. The result is essentially the wines we see today, which can easily be identified due to a change in labels which began in 2013. Both styles are really excellent, very different, and definitely worth seeking out. 

Barolo Chinato: The base wine is 2007 Barolo. Notes of cloves, dark chocolate, and mint. Classic with a nice liveliness and lift throughout. A fantastic way to end the tasting. 

Thank You

Grazie mille Nicolò and Ferdinando for welcoming us back and sharing your amazing wines with us. This is always a visit that we look forward to. We hope to see you again very soon!