Though Cesare Bussolo’s star is rising, you may not yet have heard of him. Barolo collectors will, though, almost certainly have heard of his mentor and sometimes partner, Piemonte legend Roberto Voerzio, who Cesare has worked with since 2007. 

Cesare, born and raised in La Morra and a graduate of the Alba Wine School, bought his own land in 2009 and leases some of Voerzio’s as well. He farms similarly to his mentor, with high density plantings, extremely low yields, and organic practices. His wine is produced in Roberto’s cellar, with minimal intervention.

The Fossati vineyard, which Cesare rents from Roberto (they agreed on a twenty-year contract in 2014), is in the south of La Morra, 330 meters above sea level, with soil rich in white clay and stones. The 2020, still in its infancy, shows remarkable complexity, with aromas of Parma violet, ripe raspberry, red currant, anise, humus-rich soil, cedar, and tea roses. Plenty of acidity and tannin to withstand some cellaring—Cesare says at least 25-30 years is possible—but even today, this is a truly dreamy bottle.