Flavio Roddolo, Barolo DOCG, Ravera
1997, Piemonte, Italy
Classification Barolo DOCG
Colour / Type Red
Bottle size 75cl
Alcohol 14%
Grape Nebbiolo
Average score 90
The small and historic wine producers have long since supplanted the rock stars of yesteryear. But the cool thing is that the rock star doesn't welcome you on a Friday afternoon, in work shoes and a flannel shirt, to dedicate two hours of her life to you. Roddolo yes. This is the old cellar. Don't go in, it's a little flooded . The first surprise is to see a good bit of barrique in the half-light of the Roddolo cellar: but how the small barrel was not evil? Obviously not, according to him: You just need to know how to use wood. These are small but good, and have made many passes . We go out to take a look at the vineyards, and the eye is dazzled by the Langa. For the first time, I frame the character: mustache and white hair, thin, vague resemblance to Paolo Conte, Flavio Roddolo is a legend of the Langhe and hypnotizes you with his slow but inexorable speech. From 500 meters up his hill, he teaches me a little lesson to chromatically recognize the vines: red for dolcetto, yellow for his legendary cabernet, and greenish for Nebbiolo. 'Look there, in Monforte under those little houses, that's my Barolo'. A Barolo, known all over the world: 3000 bottles a year that enthusiasts fight. In reality, this is a zone of dolcetto and ours is quick to extol the praises of everyday wine, which has fed him and his family for 70 years.
About Flavio Roddolo
Flavio Roddolo is a traditionalist winemaker based in the heart of Piedmont’s Langhe region, specifically in the commune of Monforte d’Alba. His family has worked the land for generations, but Flavio began bottling wine under his own name in the early 1980s. Roddolo’s estate covers approximately six hectares of vineyards, with a focus on the classic grape varieties of the area: Nebbiolo, Barbera, Dolcetto, and Cabernet Sauvignon. The vineyards are situated on steep, calcareous hillsides at elevations between 350 and 400 meters, giving the wines a distinctive structure and freshness.
Roddolo is known for his steadfast commitment to traditional, low-intervention winemaking. He works almost entirely alone in both the vineyard and the cellar, allowing him to oversee every aspect of production. In the vineyard, he avoids chemical treatments, instead relying on manual labor and organic practices to maintain vine health. Yields are kept low to ensure concentration and quality in the fruit. Harvest is done by hand, and only the best grapes are selected for vinification.
In the cellar, Roddolo’s approach is minimalist. Fermentations are spontaneous, using only indigenous yeasts, and macerations are long—sometimes extending up to two months—imparting depth and complexity to the wines. Aging takes place in large, old Slavonian oak casks, as well as a small number of French barriques for certain cuvées, but the use of new oak is minimal to preserve the purity of the fruit. The wines are bottled without filtration or fining, resulting in expressive, authentic bottlings that reflect both the vintage and the unique terroir of Monforte d’Alba.
Roddolo’s portfolio includes Dolcetto d’Alba, Barbera d’Alba, Nebbiolo d’Alba, and a Langhe Rosso that blends Cabernet Sauvignon with native Piedmontese varieties. His Barbera and Dolcetto are particularly admired for their concentration, structure, and ability to age, while his Nebbiolo shows the classic aromas and tannic backbone expected from Monforte’s soils. The Langhe Rosso, which includes a significant proportion of Cabernet Sauvignon, is a testament to Roddolo’s willingness to experiment within the boundaries of tradition, producing a wine with both regional character and international appeal.
Flavio Roddolo’s wines are often released later than those of his contemporaries, as he believes in allowing them the time they need to develop complexity and balance. This patience extends to his philosophy of wine enjoyment: he encourages drinkers to cellar his bottles and experience their evolution over many years. The wines are sought after by collectors and enthusiasts for their authenticity, depth, and ability to communicate a sense of place. Despite his growing acclaim, Roddolo remains humble and deeply connected to his land, preferring to let his wines speak for themselves rather than seeking the limelight.
Flavio Roddolo’s dedication to traditional methods, his hands-on approach, and his respect for the land have made his wines a benchmark for those seeking classic expressions of Piedmont’s terroir. Each bottle encapsulates the history, landscape, and quiet passion of a producer who values authenticity above all else.