Tasting Notes
From ungrafted Nebbiolo vines in the Gabutti cru of Serralunga d’Alba, Pie Franco represents the purest and rarest expression of the Cappellano estate. The nose is profound and layered, revealing red cherry, dried rose, balsamic spice, leather and iron over a core of deep mineral intensity. The palate is powerful yet luminous, with fine, gripping tannins and a vibrant acid line that gives remarkable lift to the wine’s depth. There’s a quiet energy and sense of timelessness here—structure, perfume and savoury complexity all held in perfect balance. A wine of great soul and longevity, Pie Franco stands as one of Barolo’s most authentic and enduring voices. - Chris L
Cappellano is one of Barolo’s most revered traditional estates, based in Serralunga d’Alba and famed for its uncompromising approach and deep-rooted authenticity. Founded in the 19th century, the domaine rose to prominence under Teobaldo Cappellano, a legendary figure in the Langhe who fiercely defended the integrity of Barolo. Today, the estate is run by Teobaldo’s nephew Augusto, who continues the family’s legacy with the same commitment to tradition and terroir expression.
The estate’s holdings centre on the Gabutti cru, a site of limestone and clay that produces structured, age-worthy Nebbiolo. Farming is respectful of the land, avoiding chemicals and emphasising balance in the vineyard. In the cellar, the methods remain resolutely old-school: long macerations, fermentation with indigenous yeasts, and extended ageing in large Slavonian botti. The flagship Barolos are the Pie Rupestris, from grafted vines, and the rare Pie Franco, made from ungrafted, pre-phylloxera vines—wines that are sought after worldwide for their purity and longevity.
Cappellano is also celebrated as the inventor of Barolo Chinato, an aromatised wine that has become a regional specialty. With a reputation built on patience, integrity and resistance to fashion, Cappellano remains a beacon for those who seek Barolo in its most authentic and soulful form.
| Product Type | Wine Red Nebbiolo |
| Volume | 1500ml |
| Country | Italy |
| Region | Piedmont |
| Sub Region | Barolo |
| Winemaking Practices | Minimal Intervention |
| Vineyard Practices | Organic/Biodynamic |