Elvio Cogno

Valter Fissore has steadily taken this extraordinary estate to a new level. Having taken over from his father-in-law Elvio Cogno, he runs this 15-hectare estate with a clear vision of what he wants to achieve. The winery is perched majestically atop the hill looking down over his beloved Ravera vineyard. One can see the subtle nuances of the slopes and the soil types from this privileged position. Valter is passionate about what he does and is developing and expanding his cuverie and equipment to ensure that nothing is left to chance in his search for top quality. Such is his love of Burgundy it should come as no surprise that these wines ooze finesse and elegance and have tannins so lacey and silky that one could almost be tasting Pinot Noir. Valter has a large holding of Ravera and produces a high-class version and two parcel-based Barolos from plots within Ravera. He uses a mix of smaller and larger barrels, but the oak influence is minimal. He also makes a great white from Nascetta that combines raciness and intensity with herbal and mineral notes and comes out the other side looking spectacular. The wines from here have never been better, and there is little doubt that this is now very much one of the top names of Barolo. Remarkably, prices remain very fair, and wines like the ‘entry level’ Barolo Cascina Nuova and the unique Pre-Phylloxera Barbera are over-delivering massively.