The “Piè Rupestris” by Cappellano is a benchmark Barolo crafted from ungrafted vines in the Gabutti cru of Serralunga d’Alba. This historic site, farmed with extreme care by the Cappellano family, produces a wine that bridges old-school rusticity with haunting elegance. Fermented with extended maceration and aged in large Slavonian casks, the 2020 shows its lineage with aromas of dried cherry, mint, crushed roses, iron, and truffle. On the palate, it’s deep and savory, with firm tannins and a long, ferrous finish. This is soulful, uncompromising Barolo with aging potential measured in decades. Not rated by critics, as per the wishes of the late Teobaldo Cappellano, who famously banned scores.