Giovanni Sordo 2017 Barolo, Perno

Azienda Agricola Giovanni Sordo is located in the heart of the well-known Barolo region. Now in the capable hands of Giorgio – Giovanni’s son – the third generation of a family who has been tending and producing wines for more than a century. Today the Sordo family owns 128 acres, spread out in the municipalities of Castiglione Falletto, Serralunga d’Alba, Monforte d’Alba, Barolo, Novello, La Morra, Verduno, Grinzane Cavour and Vezza d’Alba. Sordo is unique: it is the only existing winery that can boast 8 different kinds of Barolo – the crus – whose vineyards are located in the areas of 5 different municipalities in the Barolo wine district.


Grapes for this wine are from their exceptional vineyard in Perno, a village in Monforte d’Alba. The age of the vines is 25 to 35 years and it lies between 900- 1200 feet. It is among the best vineyards in the area. Grapes are destemmed and crushed, vinification is in stainless steel temperature controlled vats with long submerged-cap maceration for 4 to 7 weeks. The wine aged 24 months in large Slavonian oak barrels.

Wine Spectator scored this 94 points saying "This wine is complex and harmonious, this red features cherry, plum, licorice, leather, freshly mowed grass and mineral flavors. Backed by vibrant acidity and assertive tannins, yet there is plenty of ripe fruit to balance. Fine length."

Jeb Dunnuck scored this 92 points saying "From Monforte d’Alba, the 2017 Barolo Perno has a darker profile of tar, forested earth, dried currant, and licorice. The palate leads with dark, bitter herbs, gamey earth, and cherry pit, with a forceful tannic structure that is drying and gripping. Its wound-up energy may well open up with time and improve."

James Suckling scored this 92 points saying "Spicy red-fruit aromas and flavors here with some attractive fresh-licorice and aniseed notes. Medium-to full-bodied with a tight tannin framework and a flavorful, savory finish. Very tasty now, but needs a year or two to mellow."