Beauty and the beast—reclaiming a 300-year family legacy in Serralunga d’Alba.

We still remember the landmark 2019 that we featured a few years ago, and this 2021 Luigi Vico Barolo "Prapò" is a roaring reminder of how this under-the-radar producer crafts one of the most stunning single-site wines in Serralunga d’Alba. Hailed with 96 Points from Jeb Dunnuck and a 95-Point Editor’s Choice from Wine Enthusiast, this organic 2021 strikes an extraordinary balance between heady perfume and structured, iron-clad depth. Though Luigi’s family roots in Serralunga reach back to 1694, it wasn't until his family's long-term leases expired that he returned to reclaim his heritage. At the center of his heirloom collection sits a prized 1927 family parcel in Prapò—an east-facing MGA site perched at 1,050 feet—yielded from 100% organic farming and ancient, well-draining soils.

In the glass, the 2021 Prapò reveals a brilliant garnet core with an expressive bouquet of ripe red plum, wild cherry, blood orange, crushed rose petals, and pipe tobacco. The palate delivers classic Serralunga muscle, where vibrant red fruit and fine minerality meet structured, fine-grained tannins and balanced acidity. In terms of sheer site expression and craft, this 2021 stands right up there with the legendary Ceretto Prapò for approximately $50 less a bottle. Showing remarkable harmony today with a brief decant, it finishes long with notes of dried herbs and savory spice that will age gracefully for decades.

Critical Acclaim: 

96 Points, Jeb Dunnuck: 

“Pouring a transparent jeweled red hue, the 2021 Barolo Prapo offers pure and crystalline fresh aromas of cherries, raspberry liqueur, orange peel, tea leaf, and pressed flowers. It gains in intensity on the palate and is inviting, with refreshing clarity in its upfront fruit before revealing its more chiseled and structured tannins and fantastic length. Give this another few years to come together more fully, and it should improve in cool cellars over the coming 15 or more years. Drink 2026-2040.”

95 Points, Wine Enthusiast (Editors' Choice): 

“Standing at the eastern edge of Serralunga, Prapò has been whispering its secrets since the Vico family first acquired it in 1927. Today those whispers have turned into a symphony. This is aristocratic Nebbiolo at its finest - a masterful balance of power and grace that unfolds like a story you never want to end. Layers of red fruit, violets and subtle cocoa notes dance with the kind of tannins that remind you why Barolo became legendary. A wine that honors not just a family legacy, but the very soul of Serralunga.”

Why You'll Love It

• Iconic Site Value: 100% Organic Single-vineyard MGA (1927 parcel) quality that rivals benchmark Serralunga producers like Ceretto at a fraction of the cost.

• Heritage Reclaimed: Crafted by a native son who returned to turn 300+ years of family history into boutique winemaking excellence.

• Cellar-Worthy Balance: Pure "beauty and the beast"—combining operatic floral aromatics with muscular, age-worthy structure.

How To Serve It

• Ideal Temperature: Serve at 60°F–65°F (15°C–18°C) in large Burgundy stems.

• Decanting: Give it a 60–90 minute decant if opening now, or cellar through 2045+.

• Food Pairing: Outstanding with slow-braised beef short ribs, truffle risotto, roasted venison, or aged Parmigiano-Reggiano.