Updated: 28th May 2001

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An Introduction to

Cavallotto

Piemonte, Italy

Five generations of the family have been growing grapes & making wine under the silent sentinel of the ruined Castiglione Falletto. Then in 1948, brothers Olivio & Gildo Cavallotto decided to dedicate their energies into bottling & marketing their own wine.
Alfio & Laura with Castiglione Falleto in the background

Today, the next generation are beginning to take over with the same passion & pride of their forefathers. Brothers Giuseppe (born 1968) & Alfio (born 1971), graduates of the Alba Oenological Institute, are now supervising the vineyards and the technical aspects of winemaking. While sister, Laura, takes charge of the administration & marketing.

Their wines are still made in the traditional style but methods are totally modern. Grapes come only from their own vineyards. Vineyards have been meticulously demarcated into soil types & planted with the suitable grape variety. A method of controlled grass covering in the vineyards help maintain the fertility of the soil thus reducing the need for artificial fertilisers. Natural insect predators were re-introduced to eliminate pests without the use of pesticides. The cru of Bricco Boschis produce grapes for the Barolo, that matures slowly & elegantly. Ageing is still in huge barrels eschewing the Gaja style of barriques. The Barolos are approachable while still fairly young but amply rewards the very patient man.

The best grapes come from the San Giuseppe plot of 4.12 hectares of average 185 hl. yield. harvesting ripe Nebbiolo grapes to make Barolo

504. Cavallotto Barolo DOCG 1982 vigna San Giuseppe

Noted in "The Great Wine Vintages II" by Michael Broadbent as suitable with wild game & drinkable through to, at least, year 2000.

505. Cavallotto Barolo DOCG 1988 vigna San Giuseppe

Generally rated as the first of the great three vintages, with 1989 & 1990. "A very good, even excellent vintage. These are classic, structured & admirably concentrated, tannic wines." (Robert Parker Jr.)

506. Cavallotto Barolo DOCG 1989 vigna San Giuseppe

"An old style, tannic, spicy wine crammed with dusty, herb-tinged, cherry fruit. It offers full body, excellent concentration and a moderately tannic finish". 87 points by Robert M. Parker, Jr. in his "The Wine Advocate" issue 92.

Vintages 1982, 1988, 1989 are sold out & are for information only.

507. Barolo Riserva vigna San Giuseppe 1990

In the same traditional Barolo style, however, this is the best vintage of the series. An excellent collectors' wine that pays cellaring. "In a traditional style, but impressive. Wonderful almond, berry, black pepper & chocolate aromas & flavours. Full-bodied & rich, with fine tannins & a long, flavourful finish", 87 points by Wine Spectator, Oct 31, 1995.

508. Barolo Riserva vigna San Giuseppe 1991

A moderate vintage in Piemonte and in Europe generally. However, this makes for early drinking. Currently, lighter in extraction and delicate on the nose. The palate is young Barolo without heavy tannins. Ready for drinking, now. "An attractive, delicate wine with berry & lightly earthy aromas & flavours. Medium-bodied, with a long, fresh finish. Drinkable now", 82 points by Wine Spectator Oct 31, 1995.

510. Langhe Bianco 1995

An unusual but attractively fresh white wine made from a small plot of Pinot Noir. Light berry flavours with a medium finish.

511. Barbera d'Alba 1993

An elegant Barbera with muted acidity on the palate. Black berry & currant flavours with good finish.

512. Barolo vigna Vignolo 1990

An excellent single vineyard Barolo from a great vintage. Expressing the characteristics of its "terrior".

513. Barolo vigna Colle Sudovest 1989

An excellent single vineyard Barolo from a very good vintage. Expresses the qualities of its "terrior".

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