The Broccardo family’s winemaking narrative is a compelling saga of heritage, evolution, and an unwavering commitment to quality. Originating from humble grape cultivation in the 1940s, primarily for personal enjoyment, the enterprise gradually expanded its horizons. By the 1970s, the second generation broadened their vineyard holdings and began producing wine mainly for the domestic Italian market. The pivotal moment arrived in 2009 with the third generation, led by Laura Broccardo and her siblings, Filippo and Federica. Their youthful drive, combined with profound respect for ancestral practices, propelled Broccardo into full-scale wine production, emphasizing international markets. This strategic shift not only ensured their viability but also introduced their elegantly crafted, fruit-forward wines to a global audience, where they have been met with significant acclaim.
Laura Broccardo reflects on the family's deep connection to their land and history. She emphasizes that their transition from merely growing grapes to full-fledged winemaking was a gradual, organic process, fueled by an inherent passion for viticulture typical of the Piedmont region. The decision to pursue export markets proved transformative, allowing their estate to flourish and their distinctive wines, characterized by their elegance, finesse, and authentic fruit expression, to gain international recognition. This expansion was a critical step in preserving and advancing their legacy, adapting traditional methods to meet contemporary demands.
The Broccardo winery is distinguished by its ownership of parcels within four highly esteemed Barolo crus: Bricco San Pietro and San Giovanni in Monforte d’Alba, Ravera in Novello, and Paiagallo in Barolo. Each of these sites contributes unique characteristics to their wines. Laura describes Bricco San Pietro, situated at 300-400 meters with a south-southwest exposure, as yielding wines of remarkable elegance, featuring aromas of wildflowers and red fruits, complemented by subtle notes of spice and balsamic herbs. These wines are celebrated for their smooth, lively palate, precise tannic structure, and a crisp, enduring finish, embodying a clear yet gentle expression of the terroir.
The San Giovanni MGA, also in Monforte d’Alba, shares similar elevations but boasts diverse soil compositions of marl and sand over a clay-limestone base. Wines from San Giovanni are renowned for their intense aromatics, including rose, cherry, and delicate spice, presenting a robust yet delicate profile. Their firm, integrated tannins ensure excellent aging potential, producing wines of profound character. Ravera, recognized as one of Novello's most prestigious vineyards, offers wines of exceptional precision and longevity. Its high-calcium carbonate soils impart remarkable structure and freshness, resulting in complex aromatics of dark berries, violets, and hints of liquorice and minerals. These wines possess a structured palate and a backbone of acidity, making them ideal for cellaring.
Paiagallo, located near the village of Barolo, with its southeast-facing slopes and ancient Helvetian soils, produces charming and well-balanced wines that are approachable in their youth. They offer aromas of roses, violets, red fruits, and earthy nuances, showcasing a refined and traditional side of Barolo. The winemaking philosophy at Broccardo is fundamentally rooted in respect for the raw materials and the unique Langhe terroir. Their approach, passed down through generations, prioritizes natural vineyard cultivation and vinification. They emphasize minimal intervention, including judicious use of sulfur, far below legal limits, to preserve the wine’s purity and integrity. Furthermore, they selectively use indigenous yeasts in favorable years and cultured yeasts when necessary, always aiming to highlight the fruit-forward aromas and unique characteristics of each wine without masking them with excessive oak, instead seeking barrels that complement rather than dominate the wine's intrinsic qualities.
Broccardo's primary export markets include the USA, Northern Europe, and Japan, with Georgia emerging as a surprisingly receptive new market. Looking ahead, the winery remains dedicated to sustainable viticulture, with all their wines certified sustainable since 2016. Their future plans involve acquiring additional land in Bricco San Pietro to complete ownership of the hill, continuing a legacy begun by their grandparents. Additionally, they are exploring new frontiers with an exciting project: experimenting with a Metodo Classico sparkling wine crafted from Nebbiolo grapes, showcasing their blend of tradition and innovation.