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Lazzarito

lahts-ah-REE-toh

Lazzarito is a top-ranked Barolo MGA in Serralunga d'Alba, producing powerful, structured Nebbiolo from just 1.7 hectares. Southwest-facing slopes at 350-400 meters and calcareous-clay soils define its iron-edged, long-lived character. Documented by name since the early 17th century, it ranks among Barolo's most historically significant single vineyards.

Key Facts
  • Location: Serralunga d'Alba, Barolo DOCG, Piedmont
  • Size: approximately 1.7 hectares under vine
  • Elevation: roughly 350-400 meters above sea level
  • Aspect: southwest-facing for extended afternoon sun exposure
  • Soils: calcareous-clay with limestone, marl, and sand
  • Contains two sub-crus: Santa Caterina and Lazzaraisco (also spelled Lazzairasco)
  • Documented by its current name since the early 17th century

πŸ—ΊοΈLocation and Terroir

Lazzarito sits within the commune of Serralunga d'Alba, one of the most celebrated villages in the Barolo DOCG. At just 1.7 hectares, it is a compact but highly prized MGA (Menzione Geografica Aggiuntiva). The southwest-facing slopes capture strong afternoon sunlight, promoting full phenolic ripeness even in cooler vintages. Elevations between roughly 350 and 400 meters provide meaningful diurnal temperature variation under a continental climate, preserving the natural acidity and aromatic complexity that define great Barolo. The soils are calcareous-clay in character, composed of limestone, marl, and sand. This Tortonian-era soil composition is typical of Serralunga and is directly responsible for the firm tannin structure, mineral intensity, and exceptional aging potential associated with wines from this site.

  • Serralunga d'Alba soils are among the most compact and mineral-rich in Barolo
  • Continental climate brings wide day-night temperature swings throughout the growing season
  • Southwest aspect maximizes heat accumulation while elevation preserves acidity
  • Calcareous-clay soils drive Nebbiolo's characteristic iron and mineral expression

πŸ“œHistory and Classification

Lazzarito's history as a named vineyard stretches back to at least the early 17th century, when documents already referenced it by name and its wines were considered noteworthy. This long-standing reputation reflects the consistent quality that Serralunga's demanding terroir can produce when conditions align. Under the Barolo MGA system, formalized to recognize superior individual vineyard sites, Lazzarito holds a top classification within Serralunga d'Alba. The vineyard also contains two recognized sub-crus, Santa Caterina and Lazzaraisco (Lazzairasco), which certain producers bottle separately to highlight distinct expressions within this already small parcel.

  • Named and documented since the early 1600s, predating modern appellation law by centuries
  • Classified as a Barolo MGA, the highest site-specific designation within the DOCG
  • Sub-crus Santa Caterina and Lazzaraisco allow further site differentiation
  • Ranks among the most historically significant vineyards in Serralunga d'Alba
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πŸ‡Wine Style and Character

Lazzarito produces exclusively Nebbiolo, as required across all Barolo DOCG production. Wines from this vineyard display the hallmarks of Serralunga terroir: substantial body, firm and grippy tannins, and a mineral core that carries through to a long finish. Typical aromatic and flavor descriptors include dark cherry, iron, white pepper, and dried herbs. These are not early-drinking wines. The structure demands time in bottle, and top examples from strong vintages can evolve for two to three decades. The mineral focus and tanic backbone distinguish Lazzarito from the silkier, more approachable MGAs found in La Morra or Barolo commune.

  • Full-bodied and structured with high tannin and acidity typical of Serralunga
  • Flavor profile centers on dark cherry, iron minerality, white pepper, and herbs
  • Long aging potential; top vintages benefit from a decade or more of cellaring
  • Stylistically distinct from softer MGAs in La Morra due to Serralunga's compact soils
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🏭Notable Producers

A strong roster of respected Barolo producers hold holdings in or source fruit from Lazzarito. Vietti and Massolino are two of the most widely recognized names associated with the site, each bringing different stylistic approaches, from traditional to more modern. Fontanafredda, one of the historic estates of the Langhe, also works with the vineyard. Guido Porro, Ettore Germano, Anselma, and Boasso Franco round out a group of producers whose expressions collectively illustrate the range of winemaking philosophy applied to this prestigious MGA while staying true to its powerful terroir signature.

  • Vietti: renowned for traditionally styled, age-worthy single-vineyard Barolos
  • Massolino: consistent quality across multiple Serralunga MGAs including Lazzarito
  • Fontanafredda: historic Langhe estate with longstanding ties to the vineyard
  • Guido Porro, Ettore Germano, Anselma, and Boasso Franco also produce notable bottlings
Flavor Profile

Dark cherry and dried fruit with prominent iron and mineral tones, white pepper, dried herbs, and firm structural tannins. Full-bodied and age-worthy with a long, mineral-driven finish.

Food Pairings
Brasato al Barolo, the classic Piedmontese braised beef that mirrors the wine's weight and structureTajarin with truffle or rich meat ragu, a regional pasta pairing that complements the earthy mineral notesAged Parmigiano-Reggiano or Castelmagno cheese, whose crystalline texture pairs with firm tanninsOsso buco or slow-braised lamb shank, matching the wine's power with equal richnessWild boar or venison preparations, pairing gamey protein with the wine's iron and herb character
Wines to Try
  • Vietti Barolo Lazzarito$120-160
    Benchmark Serralunga expression from one of Barolo's most respected traditional producers.Find →
  • Massolino Barolo Vigna Rionda$100-140
    Massolino works across Serralunga MGAs, offering excellent context for understanding the commune's style.Find →
  • Guido Porro Barolo Lazzarito$60-85
    Smaller estate offering authentic Lazzarito character at a more accessible price point.Find →
  • Ettore Germano Barolo Lazzarito$65-90
    Well-regarded producer bringing precision and site-true mineral character to the MGA.Find →
How to Say It
Lazzaritolahts-ah-REE-toh
Serralunga d'Albasehr-ah-LOON-gah DAL-bah
Menzione Geografica Aggiuntivamen-TSYOH-neh jeh-oh-GRAH-fee-kah ahd-jun-TEE-vah
Lazzaraiscolahts-ah-RYE-skoh
πŸ“Exam Study NotesWSET / CMS
  • Lazzarito is a Barolo MGA in Serralunga d'Alba; approximately 1.7 hectares, southwest-facing at 350-400 meters elevation
  • Soils are calcareous-clay with limestone, marl, and sand; typical Tortonian-era Serralunga geology
  • Contains two sub-crus: Santa Caterina and Lazzaraisco (Lazzairasco)
  • Documented by name since the early 17th century, making it one of Barolo's historically oldest named vineyards
  • Wine style is powerful, structured, and mineral-forward; dark cherry, iron, and white pepper are key descriptors