Alta Langa Blanc del Noir 2018, Casa E. di Mirafiore, Piemonte

The ProducerThis illustrious estate was originally bought by the first King of Italy in 1858, and then shaped into the world’s top Barolo brand by his son, Emanuele Alberto Guerrieri, Count of Mirafiore, hence the name Casa E di Mirafiore. Sadly the estate did not survive the Great Depression and was split up by various creditors. It was eighty years later that the well-known and widely respected entrepreneur Oscar Farinetti embarked on a journey to restore Casa E di Mirafiore to its full glory. Firstly, he reallocated the original 25 hectares of prime vineyards and historic cellars from Fontanafredda, his other winery. Then, in 2011 Farinetti managed to buy back the Casa E di Mirafiore brand name which had been purchased by a third party. This was not without a price! – it cost him lunch as the owner understood the historical importance at stake.