Today, we’re offering our first small allocation from one of the most exciting new estates to emerge from Barolo in recent years. Lalù is a remarkable story, the like of which you’ll barely ever hear in Piemonte. In a region where it’s notoriously hard for outsiders to gain a toehold, this is the tale of two young women who quickly kicked off not only a label but a boundary-pushing estate—all in a mere handful of years. Lara Rocchetti and Luisa Sala first met in 2010 at university in Pollenzo, just beyond the fringe of the Langhe. They spent a number of years working at Piemonte estates, as well as gaining experience overseas (Luisa in South Africa and Lara in Argentina). But it was their first visit to Burgundy that would deliver their Damascene moment. Working the 2017 vintage with Dominique Lafon “changed how we thought about wine”, they recently told us. They would return to work with Cécile Tremblay in Morey-Saint-Denis the following year, and the lessons would continue. “We realised we had to find a way to make elegant and fine Nebbiolo,” says Lara. “We didn’t want to focus on structure, tannin and power,” she says, referring to the traditional pillars of Piedmontese wine. “We wanted to focus on the Cru, on the vineyard, on finesse.” Their first vintage together was only in 2019, yet they are already farming some five hectares of land, over two hectares of which are owned. The wines reflect their hard work in the vineyard and cellar and, as the comments below suggest, are all fine and elegant. Already super, they are only getting better (as recent cask tastings in Piemonte make clear). It may be an emerging name, but Lalù comes with an impressive backstory and a convincing, articulate vision. Lara and Luisa bring fresh vision to a famous and storied region, and they are already producing wines that will delight anyone who loves Burgundy-style perfume, finesse and drinkability. Welcome to the new Piemonte!