01/03/2026
Senior Editor Aldo Fiordelli was in Serralunga’s Barolo subregion last week, tasting complex, austere wines from artisanal estates like Palladino, which is committed to some of the most authentic expressions of Barolo. Among his tastings, the standout was a riserva – a category that Aldo said “serves as a reminder of how much Barolo’s nebbiolo needs time, both in cask and in bottle, to fully express its depth and richness.”
The Palladino Barolo San Bernardo Riserva 2020 (far left) shows fresh elegance alongside the balanced structure of a poised, rounded vintage. It’s a very classical wine, marked by notes of licorice and wild strawberries, with pronounced incense on the nose, a powerful, structured palate, and a cinnamon-tinged finish that restores grace to the mouthfeel. Last year’s Barbera d’Alba also impressed, but this year’s remarkably precise and complex Barolo 2022s steal the show despite the challenges of the vintage. Highlights include the richly juicy Palladino Barolo Ornato 2022 (middle left) and firmer Palladino Barolo Parafada 2022 (middle right). Read more via the link in the profile.
