Elio Altare

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Country of Origin: Italy
Location: La Morra, Barolo
People: Silvia Altare, Owner & Winemaker | Tes Cyo, Assistant Winemaker
Viticulture: Practicing Organic

Items

Elio Altare 2024 Barbera d'Alba DOC Login WS 89 In Stock
Elio Altare 2024 Dolcetto d'Alba DOC Login WS 88 In Stock
Elio Altare 2020 'Unoperuno' Barolo DOCG Login WA 95 In Stock
Elio Altare 2021 'Unoperuno' Barolo DOCG Login WS 95 <1 Case
Elio Altare 2022 'Unoperuno' Barolo DOCG Login — On Order
Elio Altare 2022 Barolo DOCG Login — On Order
Elio Altare 2019 Barolo Riserva, Cerretta Vigna Bricco, DOCG Login WS 95 In Stock
Elio Altare 2022 Barolo, Arborina, DOCG Login — On Order
Elio Altare 2021 Barolo, Cannubi, DOCG Login WS 95 In Stock
Elio Altare 2022 Barolo, Cannubi, DOCG Login — On Order

Below the hilltop town of La Morra and above Annunziata, lay the 5 hectares that make up the Altare Vineyard, which has been planted and maintained by the family since 1948. But the story is not all bucolic: the owner/winemaker, Elio Altare, now renowned for being a major innovator in the region, almost lost all claim to the winery for his rebellious winemaking views.

Elio was at the forefront of the period in Barolo when traditional, regional winemaking collided head-first with a new generation’s desire for modernity. After a trip to Burgundy in the 1970s, Elio returned with new visions of modernizing the family winery--which meant replacing the large aging barrels with smaller French barriques. His father did not share his vision, and the tension culminated when Elio took a chainsaw to his father’s old barrels. He was banned from the winery until his father’s death in 1985. Since he has regained control, he has implemented organic agriculture, the use rotary fermenters and short macerations and he has employed small barriques for aging.

Elio’s focus is on simple and natural wines without chemicals, fertilizers, or pesticides. He bought two cows to create manure, which is all he uses for fertilization. He uses only indigenous yeasts and spontaneous malolactic fermentation, and the wines are not filtered or fined. He adds nothing that might change the color or texture, and he uses stainless steel tanks and clean barriques. Basically, these are unmitigated wines that express the nature of the grapes and place they came from.

Elio Altare is a family affair with Elio’s daughters, Silvia and Elena, representing the next generation. Elena studied enology, and Silvia studied Economics.

Media Links
Vinousmedia.com: Portraits in Nebbiolo - 1984-2004
Winegeeks: Winery of the Month Elio Altare
Guildsomm: The Wines of Barolo and Barbaresco (features Silvia Altare)

Reviews

  • Elio Altare 2020 'Unoperuno' Barolo DOCG
    The Wine Advocate
    Rating: 95 (4/4/2024)
    The Elio Altare 2020 Barolo Unoperuno leads with floral aromas of crushed rose and lilac and then continues to rich fruit with dark currant and plum. Oak toast or baking spice appears on the nose, but it also defines the palate. It shows a softness or plushness that is rare to Nebbiolo, and the tannins are already quite silky and approachable. The blend of fruit this year is Arborina (in La Morra), Cannubi (in Barolo), Pernano (in Castiglione Falletto), Sarmassa (in Barolo) and Cerretta (in Serralunga d'Alba). This is a limited release of 1,100 bottles.
  • Elio Altare 2024 Barbera d'Alba DOC
    The Wine Spectator
    Rating: 89 (2/9/2026)
    Perfumed, this red displays cherry and raspberry flavors. Slightly candied in a good way, with a juicy profile and chalky feel on the moderate finish. Drink now. 1,250 cases made, 420 cases imported.
  • Elio Altare 2021 Barolo, Cannubi, DOCG
    The Wine Spectator
    Rating: 95 (4/30/2026)
    This is rich and juicy, boasting cherry, raspberry, orange peel, licorice, sandalwood, tar, iron and toasty oak aromas and flavors. There’s intensity and ripeness midpalate, with a warm, lingering aftertaste. Stylish and graceful. Best from 2029 through 2045. 125 cases made, 40 cases imported.
  • Elio Altare 2019 Barolo Riserva, Cerretta Vigna Bricco, DOCG
    The Wine Spectator
    Rating: 95 (4/30/2026)
    A light touch of new oak lends cinnamon, vanilla and sandalwood accents, with core flavors of cherry, currant, rose, tar, green tea and eucalyptus. Detailed and harmonious, offering a smooth texture and excellent length. Best from 2027 through 2045. 500 cases made, 150 cases imported.
  • Elio Altare 2021 'Unoperuno' Barolo DOCG
    The Wine Spectator
    Rating: 95 (4/30/2026)
    A bright, fresh, cherry-infused red, with hints of raspberry, tar, iron and toasty oak. Shuts down pretty quickly, leaving a lightly chewy feel, but there’s plenty of stuffing and ripe red fruit. Best from 2030 through 2049. 125 cases made, 40 cases imported.
  • Elio Altare 2024 Dolcetto d'Alba DOC
    The Wine Spectator
    Rating: 88 (12/29/2025)
    Juicy black cherry, blackberry and violet flavors are accented by earth and black pepper in this intense red. Well-structured, balanced and long, with grip. Drink now through 2032. 1,500 cases made, 500 cases imported.