Flavio Roddolo – The Hermit of Monforte
There is a lot to say about this small producer. It is the definition of eclectic and out of the ordinary; the wines are usually hard to find, and, in fact, they are regularly kind of smuggled into the U.S. The winery doesn’t have a ordinary distribution network like the rest of the producers that you see on the shelves in the U.S. Rather, Flavio Roddolo avoids trends and stays isolated in his dedication to vine cultivation in his homeland of Monforte D’Alba. He farms, he ferments, he bottles—he does everything himself. The production is tiny, tiny—they are even hard to find if you ever go in the Langhe. No marketing, no consultants, no shortcuts. His approach involves time along with traditional methods—that is it.
Roddolo follows the true path of a vignaiolo who combines agricultural expertise with philosophical wisdom. Flavio tends a few hectares of vineyards while creating long-lived wines through minimal intervention methods, including spontaneous fermentation and long-term aging. All the fruit he uses, he grows on his estate. Fermentations are spontaneous. Neutral wood storage houses the wines until Flavio determines their readiness to release to the public, which is after a period of years or even decades from the harvest. So yes, what you see here are the current vintages, fresh out of the winery. That is a testament on how meticulous this producer is. A wine is ready when it is ready, it doesn’t necessarily need to follow the market trend. I love this aspect of his work.
Roddolo focus on longer-term appeal rather than immediate commercial success. These wines are rustic and true like no other; they bring you back at the origin of winemaking. They are a true love letter to the grape and the art of vinification.
Roddolo Wines – A Personal Library of Piedmont
2017 Flavio Roddolo Dolcetto d'Aba Superiore $34.99 The combination of deep color and strong structure in this Dolcetto comes from Roddolo's minimal harvest and prolonged aging process. Dark fruit, dried herbs, and a firm mineral edge.
2012 Flavio Roddolo Barbera d'Alba Superiore $54.99 The wine presents both intense flavor concentration and an elevated lightness while combining balsamic scents with red cherry flavors. This wine demonstrates how Barbera can develop into a serious age-worthy wine that remains charming throughout its life.
2013 Flavio Roddolo Nebbiolo D'Alba $79.99 The wine presents itself as a young Nebbiolo wine which will later evolve into Barolo. The specific wild flavors and cherry skin and rose petal and forest floor elements distinguish Roddolo's Nebbiolo from others.
2014 Flavio Roddolo Barolo $139.99 Roddolo’s Barolo doesn’t chase trends or scores. This wine is a traditional Barolo that offers both structure and deepness. The wine requires time but provides more value beyond its price point. An 11-year-old Barolo at this caliber is mind-blowing at this price. There is a lot to love here.
2010 Flavio Roddolo 'Bricco Appiani' Langhe Rosso Cabernet $79.99 Yes, Cabernet—from Monforte. Roddolo transforms Cabernet into something completely different when he works with it. Herbaceous, dark-fruited, and earthy, with plenty of soul. A cult classic.
A Modern Producer Deeply Rooted in the Origin of Barolo
In a region that increasingly leans toward polish and accessibility, Flavio Roddolo reminds us what tradition actually looks like. He’s not trying to impress. He’s trying to tell the truth—about his land, his vines, and his philosophy. I love to open any of his wines and let them sing in the glass, they keep evolving hours after hours, providing an authentic experience that reminds us that wine, at the end, it’s alive.