By Tony Margiotta
In the rolling hills of Piedmont, where the morning fog gently rises to reveal a patchwork of vineyards, one name resonates with both history and prestige—Serragrilli. Among the many celebrated crus of Barbaresco, Serragrilli stands out not just for its beauty but for the exceptional wine it produces. At the heart of this cru lies Battaglio Barbaresco Riserva Serragrilli, a single-vineyard wine that has come to embody the essence of this unique terroir. This is the story of how Serragrilli became one of the most important Barbaresco crus in the region today.
Chapter 1: The Magic of Serragrilli
Serragrilli is more than just a vineyard; it's a microcosm of what makes Barbaresco so extraordinary. Located between the villages of Neive and Barbaresco, this cru benefits from a unique combination of factors that make it a perfect site for Nebbiolo. The vineyard is situated on a gently sloping hill that faces south-southwest, ensuring maximum exposure to sunlight throughout the growing season. This orientation is crucial, as it allows the Nebbiolo grapes to ripen fully, developing the complex flavors and aromas that are characteristic of Barbaresco.
The microclimate of Serragrilli is another key to its success. The vineyard enjoys a slightly warmer and drier climate compared to other parts of the region, which helps to concentrate the sugars in the grapes while maintaining their natural acidity. The cool nights, however, preserve the grapes' aromatic complexity, resulting in wines that are both powerful and elegant.
But perhaps the most important factor in Serragrilli’s greatness is its soil. The vineyard sits on a mix of calcareous clay and sandy marl, which provides excellent drainage and forces the vines to dig deep for nutrients. This struggle results in grapes that are small, thick-skinned, and intensely flavored—perfect for producing a Barbaresco of exceptional quality.
The truth is that there are several producers with a vineyard in the Serragrilli cru. But the Battaglio family has a small parcel at the top of the Serragrilli hill. And the advantages to the vineyard site are critical like optimum sun exposure for maximum grape ripening and excellent water drainage for complexity development in the Nebbiolo.
Chapter 2: The Craftsmanship of Battaglio Barbaresco Riserva Serragrilli
The story of Battaglio Barbaresco Riserva Serragrilli is as much about the winemaker as it is about the land. Gianluca Battaglio, a name synonymous with meticulous craftsmanship, understood from the beginning that the Serragrilli cru had the potential to produce something extraordinary. His approach to vinification reflects a deep respect for tradition, combined with a willingness to embrace modern techniques that enhance the wine’s natural characteristics.
After the grapes are hand-harvested at the peak of ripeness, they are carefully sorted to ensure that only the best fruit makes it into the wine. The fermentation process is slow and controlled, allowing the natural yeasts to work their magic and extract the full range of flavors from the grapes. Gianluca employs a long maceration period, during which the wine stays in contact with the skins, imparting deep color, fine tannins, and complex aromas.
Once fermentation is complete, the wine is transferred to small 20% French oak and 80% Slovenian oak barrels, where it undergoes a long aging process. For Battaglio Barbaresco Riserva Serragrilli, this aging period lasts for at least 36 months, with an additional year of bottle aging before release. This extended aging process allows the wine to develop the depth, structure, and finesse that are the hallmarks of a great Barbaresco.
Chapter 3: The Rise to Prominence
As the years went by, Battaglio Barbaresco Riserva Serragrilli began to attract the attention of critics and collectors alike. The wine’s exceptional quality was quickly recognized, and it started to earn accolades in prestigious wine competitions. One of the most significant milestones came when the 2013 vintage received the coveted Tre Bicchieri award from Gambero Rosso, Italy’s most esteemed wine guide. This recognition confirmed what those in the know had already realized: Serragrilli was not just a good Barbaresco—it was one of the best.
What sets Battaglio Barbaresco Riserva Serragrilli apart from other wines is its ability to express the unique terroir of the Serragrilli cru. Each vintage tells the story of the vineyard—the warmth of the sun, the coolness of the nights, the richness of the soil—all captured in a bottle. The wine is known for its deep garnet color, its intense aromas of red fruit, roses, and spice, and its powerful yet refined palate, with a finish that seems to linger forever.
Chapter 4: The Rarity of Greatness
One of the aspects that makes Battaglio Barbaresco Riserva Serragrilli so special is its rarity. The vineyard itself is small, and Gianluca is committed to keeping production limited to ensure the highest quality. Each year, only a few hundred bottles of this exceptional wine are produced, making it a true collector’s item. The limited edition nature of Battaglio Barbaresco Riserva Serragrilli means that it is highly sought after by those who appreciate the finest expressions of Nebbiolo.
For those lucky enough to secure a bottle, it’s not just a wine—it’s a piece of history, a snapshot of the terroir that has been captured and preserved in liquid form. The wine’s aging potential is extraordinary, with the ability to develop even greater complexity and nuance over 10 to 20 years or more. This makes it not just a drink, but an investment in time.
Chapter 5: A Legacy of Excellence
Today, Battaglio Barbaresco Riserva Serragrilli stands as a testament to what can be achieved when nature and human ingenuity come together in perfect harmony. The wine has become a symbol of the Serragrilli cru, embodying all the characteristics that make this vineyard so special. It has also cemented Gianluca Battaglio’s reputation as one of the finest winemakers in the Barbaresco region.
But more than that, Battaglio Barbaresco Riserva Serragrilli has become a part of the larger story of Barbaresco itself—a story of a region that has consistently produced some of the world’s greatest wines. It is a wine that speaks not just of its place of origin, but of the passion, dedication, and artistry that have gone into its creation.
Epilogue: The Future of Serragrilli
As we look to the future, the Serragrilli cru, and Battaglio Barbaresco Riserva Serragrilli in particular, are poised to continue their ascent. With each passing year, the vineyard’s reputation grows, and its wines become even more coveted. For those who have experienced the magic of Serragrilli, there is no doubt that this is one of the most important Barbaresco crus in the region today—and likely for generations to come.
In every glass of Battaglio Barbaresco Riserva Serragrilli, one can taste the sun-soaked days, the cool nights, and the centuries of tradition that have shaped this remarkable wine. It is a wine that tells a story—a story of a vineyard, a winemaker, and a terroir that have come together to create something truly extraordinary.