Discovering Verduno

Set within the Langhe, Verduno is one of the eleven towns within the Barolo production zone and has the curious nickname of “Sentinel of the Langhe”, earned as a result of its excellent geographical position, overlooking the surrounding hills.

Its real appeal lies in the village as a whole, characterised by the warm shades of terracotta, the delicate and muted polychromy of the walls, the pleasant interplay of light and the steeply sloping streets that converge towards the spectacular and surprising Belvedere garden, once the site of a medieval castle.

The Belvedere, one of the most picturesque and romantic vantage points in the Langhe, is characterised by a breathtaking view of the Langhe and Roero. The picturesque Piazza Don Borgna features the eighteenth-century Castle designed in the style of the architect Juvarra, considered for many years to be one of the most sought-after residences of the Royal House of Savoy.

Historical info

In 1631, the village became part of the Duchy of Savoy and one of the most sought-after and important residences of the Savoy family. In 1837, King Carlo Alberto entrusted an eminent oenologist of the time, Francesco Staglieno, with the management of the property, with the task of transforming it into a model winery. This pairing of Staglieno and Verduno undoubtedly gave rise to one of the first BAROLO wines in history.

Geology

Verduno belongs to the Tortonian side of the Barolo zone and specifically to the La Morra unit. Starting from the Monvigliero sub-zone, this area extends southwards to the end of Monforte, skirting Barolo and including the La Morra sub-zones of Brunate and Cerequio. The soils consist of fossil S. Agata Marl and are of a calcareous-clayey nature, having emerged from the sea some 6-7 million years ago.

Trivia

Verduno is a town with a vocation for art. Frequented in the 1960s by painters such as Lucio Fontana and Pinot Gallizio, it is now enriched by the activities of numerous artists.

Winegrowing heritage

The area around Verduno has a marked vocation for red wines. This is demonstrated by the fact that, out of a total of approximately 200 hectares of vineyard, more than 95% are cultivated with red grapes.

The predominant grape variety is Nebbiolo, which occupies more than half of the surface area. The other most important and widespread varieties are Pelaverga piccolo, Barbera and Dolcetto.

Located at the northern tip of the Barolo zone, at an altitude of 200 to 400 metres above sea level, the hill on which Verduno stands is the vineyard area closest to the River Tanaro. The wines that originate here are characterised by great finesse and elegance, a remarkable aromatic complexity with an ever-present vein of spices and suave, velvety tannins.