Here's a new wine that reflects the enthusiasm for comune-focused wines that are now gaining much traction across the Barolo appellation. The Fratelli Alessandria 2017 Barolo del Comune di Verduno shows beautifully even in its youth and most especially after the bottle has been opened for a bit or double decanted. Like all these wines from this vintage, it needs a little extra breathing room. The results are precise and focused with a good balance of light spice, mineral and tar. Some 20,000 bottles were made.
94 points, Monica Larner, Wine Advocate (Jun 2021)
Wild red berry, camphor, truffle and dark spice aromas form the inviting nose. Elegantly structured, the savory palate also has youthful tension, delivering ripe Morello cherry, raspberry compote, star anise and tobacco blend set against taut, fine-grained tannins. Give it a few more years to fully develop. Drink 2024–2031.
94 points, Kerin O'Keefe, Wine Enthusiast (Jul 2021)
This is a new label for Vittore Alessandria, and the first Comune wine from the village of Verduno to join this growing category of Barolo. It is actually a new version of Alessandria’s Barolo classico, which used to contain some fruit from Gramolere in Monforte d’Alba. As of the 2017 vintage, the fruit comes exclusively from the Alessandria family’s Verduno plots, and the wine captures the fresh floral scents, lively red fruit and peppery spice so characteristic of this village. A model of restraint and balance, with a midweight frame and fine, powdery tannins, this wine is showing beautifully now, and will continue to develop well over the next decade.
94 points, Wine & Spirits (Dec 2021)
Nicely perfumed nose with dried wild strawberries and some chalky minerals. Medium to full body with sweet and tangy fruit flavor and a hint of vanilla growing through the palate. The tannins are firm, but under control and are starting to meld into the wine. Give it a year or two to integrate more fully. Drink from 2023 onwards.
93 points, James Suckling (Jul 2021)
The 2017 Barolo del Comune di Verduno is an absolutely gorgeous wine. This is the first vintage in which the Barolo 'classico' becomes a Barolo del Comune di Verduno, in other words, a wine only from Verduno. Pliant and deep, the 2017 is striking right out of the gate. A wine of tremendous balance, the 2017 is a total pleasure to taste. Today the flavors are naturally quite primary, but there is so much to like. Bright red berry fruit, blood orange and spice punctuate the finish. Vineyard sites are Rivarocca, plus smaller pieces from Pisapola, Campasso, Rocche dell'Olmo and Boscato.
92 points, Antonio Galloni, Vinous (Feb 2021)