Giovanni Canonica

Giovanni Canonica is a tiny estate that has shot to fame over last decade or so. Those lucky enough to have tasted the wines compare them to some of most illustrious names in Barolo: in comparison to which, they remain affordably priced. Breathtakingly complex and aromatic, these are classically styled wines which are in high demand among Barolo aficionados.

The estate’s holdings amount to fewer than three hectares and are farmed on organic lines. In the winery, the approach is similarly low-tech. Highly unusually, the grapes are foot-trodden. After that, they undergo a long fermentation using indigenous yeasts. Maturation takes place in large old oak botte, and Canonica keeps sulphur additions to a minimum throughout.

The wines which result are distinctive and expressive. Just three wines are made: two Barolos and a Langhe Nebbiolo. The Barolo Paiagallo comes from vines in the Barolo commune on a slope just above the town. The Barolo Grinzane Cavour, first made in 2012, comes from the commune of the same name which is known for more muscular wines. The Langhe Nebbiolo is made in style representative of the estate.

Canonica makes top-notch Barolos that are highly sought-after, for good reason. The latest releases from Canonica are the 2019s. These wines come from a year that Vinous’ Antonio Galloni calls a “stellar vintage”: one of “potent, tightly wound wines that will thrill readers who appreciate the nuance, subtlety and structure of Nebbiolo.”