Cantina Sordo: A Must-Visit Spot for Wine Tourism in Piedmont
Experience the Art of Winemaking in the UNESCO-listed Landscape of Piedmont.
The Piemont region is celebrated for the historic charm of Turin, with its grand palaces and timeless cafés, its exquisite traditional cuisine, the prized white truffles of Alba, and, above all, its exceptional wines from the Langhe.
In Langhe, wine is the undeniable star. Strolling through the rolling hills lined with vineyards, you’ll find grape varieties like Nebbiolo, Dolcetto, and Barbera, which give life to some of the region’s most iconic wines, including the legendary Barolo. Among these picturesque vineyards lies Cantina Sordo, a family-run winery that has been preserving its winemaking traditions for four generations, offering a genuine taste of the rich heritage and flavors of Piedmont.
Let’s delve into the rich history and reputation of Cantina Sordo’s winemaking, exploring all the exceptional experiences it has to offer.
The Legacy of Cantina Sordo
Cantina Sordo represents the legacy of four generations dedicated to its growth and development. Founded in 1912 by Giuseppe Sordo, the winery has been committed to the cultivation and production of exceptional wines since its inception. Over time, with the arrival of Giuseppe’s son, Giovanni, the business expanded significantly. Notably, it acquired new hectares of prime vineyards, which further elevated the quality and prestige of its wines.
In 2001, Giorgio Sordo took over management of the winery. Guided by the invaluable lessons of his father, Giovanni, Giorgio upheld the family tradition and, in 2013, achieved a milestone by introducing the production of 8 Barolo MGA wines.
While the women of the Sordo family have always been a steadfast support in the business, the fourth generation proudly features Paola Sordo, Giorgio’s daughter. At a young age, Paola has already begun to carry forward the family’s rich winemaking tradition, ensuring its legacy continues to thrive.
The Wine Mastery of Cantina Sordo: From Barolo to Regional Varieties
Barolo: A Focus on Excellence
Barolo wines are a symbol of excellence among Italian products. Cantina Sordo makes its Barolo wines from 100% Nebbiolo grapes from Piedmont, ensuring their high quality and unique characteristics that set them apart in the world of wines. In this winery, Barolo wines stand as the most precious products, crafted with strict adherence to tradition.
Cantina Sordo classifies its Barolo production into three categories: the Barolo DOCG (Denominazione di Origine Controllata e Garantita), which offers a pleasant, harmonious, and complex taste experience; the Barolo Riserva, a prestigious and highly regarded wine for the winery, as it is one of the few that offers historical vintages dating back to 1989. Finally, the 8 Cru di Barolo represent the production of Barolo from 8 MGA (Geographical Mentions Attached), including Rocche di Castiglione, Parussi, Villero, Monprivato, Gabutti, Perno, Monvigliero, and Ravera. Each Cru is produced using the same method but results in unique wines.
Great Wines of Cantina Sordo
Although people consider Barolos the kings, the Piedmont region boasts other excellent wines that wine lovers highly appreciate. Cantina Sordo offers a selection of classic red wines, including Nebbiolo d’Alba DOC, Dolcetto d’Alba DOC, and Barbera d’Alba DOC. Among the whites from Langhe and Roero, you’ll find Arneis, Sauvignon, Chardonnay, Bianco Vioné, and Bianco Rapujé. Additionally, the winery produces a range of limited-edition wines.
The Cantina Sordo Experience
Cantina Sordo offers guided tours that begin with the fascinating history of the family, tracing its journey from humble beginnings to the fourth generation of winemakers. Next, the tour continues with an in-depth look at the entire production and winemaking process, including the aging stages. Visitors can observe how the wines mature in traditional barrels and are then carefully preserved in the impressive underground cellar, which houses a private selection of Barolo. Meanwhile, along the way, visitors can admire the stunning and evocative spaces that beautifully blend history with modernity. Finally, the experience concludes with the most anticipated moment: the tasting, which is available in four distinct options.
CRU Experience: A triptych of Barolo.
This is an exclusive experience: a tasting of three CRU di Barolo wines chosen by the team, which will allow you to identify the differences between three Barolo wines made with the same methods but from different terroirs.
Nebbiolo Experience: The four shades of Nebbiolo.
The Nebbiolo experience invites us to taste the four shades of the Nebbiolo vineyard, highlighting the passage of time and its evolution at Cantina Sordo. We begin with the Nebbiolo d’Alba “Vigna Valmaggiore,” followed by a young or medium-bodied CRU/MGA, and finally, two CRU/MGA with at least 10 years of aging.
Authentic CRU Experience: The fantastic 8 CRU.
With this experience, you will enjoy the different flavors of the 2018 Barolo 8 CRU from Monvigliero, Ravera, Perno, Gabutti, Parussi, Rocche di Castiglione, Villero, and Monprivato, allowing you to discover the unique facets that set them apart from one another.
Foliage & Truffle Experience: Autumn in the wine
This experience is exclusive to autumn and is available from October through December. It includes an exploration of the fruits of the Langhe soil, the colorful vineyard leaves of the season, and a tasting of emblematic wines that showcase the variety of the cantina’s products. These include Roero Arneis DOCG, Langhe Bianco “Vioniè” DOC, Dolcetto d’Alba DOC, Nebbiolo d’Alba DOC, and Barolo DOCG CRU/MGA.
A visit to Cantina Sordo offers an immersion into the past and present of its fascinating history. You’ll have the chance to tour its spaces, which blend tradition and modernity, enjoy exceptional service, and taste some of the magnificent wines they produce. If you’re exploring the region of Le Langhe, this is a must-do on your itinerary.
At the end of your experience at Cantina Sordo, you’ll have the opportunity to take home your favorite wine from the tasting, creating a delicious souvenir of your visit.