In 1958, Luigi Giordano made a prescient decision when he took the leap from farmer to winemaker as his vineyards were situated in Barbaresco which was recognized as an appellation 8 years later in 1966 and has only grown in prestige ever since. To this day, Luigi is still involved but now with the help of his daughters, Laura and Silvia, as well as his grandson Matteo. Montestefano is the most historic vineyard in the appellation with the perfect bluish-gray marl and limestone soils that give rise to powerful, structured wines. Harvest is done by hand usually in the 2nd week of October, followed by a temperature-controlled fermentation in concrete tank and maceration for 25+ days with regular pumpovers for additional extraction of flavor, tannins and phenolic components then aged for 18-24 months in large, old Slavonian-oak barrels. The result is a serious, classic Barbaresco with a true sense of place. Notes of leather, tobacco and truffles precede a rustic palate of red berries and firm, dry tannins. Pair with a duck ragu over pappardelle or a white truffle risotto.