Flavio Roddolo winery
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.