Cordero Mario

Castiglione Falletto, Barolo, Piemonte

History & Ownership

Cordero Mario is a small, family-run estate in La Morra, a village in western Barolo. The Cordero family has worked these hillsides for generations, growing grapes before they bottled wine under their own name. They became winemakers not for ambition, but to have a hand in shaping the final wine from vineyard to cellar.

The estate is still very much a family affair, with the focus on keeping things steady and true to their roots. They don’t try to market themselves as historic or groundbreaking. Instead, they quietly stick to careful farming, understated winemaking, and a genuine respect for Barolo traditions.

Vineyards & Terroir

Cordero Mario’s vineyards are tucked into the hills around La Morra, right in the heart of Barolo country. Their vineyard area is small, by design—they prefer to work with their own grapes rather than buying from elsewhere.

• Elevation: Approximately 280–350 metres above sea level
• Soils: Predominantly calcareous marl of Tortonian origin, typical of La Morra, with relatively higher clay content compared to eastern Barolo communes
• Exposure: Primarily south and southwest-facing slopes, favouring even ripening

These hillside vines make Nebbiolo that’s fragrant, with smooth tannins and natural balance. Cordero Mario’s Barolos highlight aromatics and pure fruit, with enough structure to age but still approachable.

Viticulture & Winemaking

The family uses a hands-on, traditional approach in the vineyard. They focus on keeping yields sensible through pruning and canopy work, always aiming for ripe, balanced grapes.

In the cellar, winemaking follows a classical Barolo framework:

• Fermentation: Nebbiolo ferments in temperature-controlled tanks with native yeasts, allowing the grape’s character to show.
• Maceration: The wines spend extended time on skins, following traditional Barolo methods for colour and flavour.
• Aging: The wine matures in large Slavonian oak casks, then rests in bottle before release.
• Oak Influence: Neutral; wood is for gentle oxygenation, not flavor.

They use minimal sulfur, just enough for stability. Their goal is to let the vineyard and grape speak, not to leave a heavy winemaking mark.

Grape Varieties & Key Wines

Nebbiolo is at the heart of this estate. Cordero Mario focuses on one Barolo DOCG from their La Morra vineyards rather than producing multiple crus.

In style, Cordero Mario’s Barolo leans into:

• Aromatics: Rose petal, red cherry, dried herbs, and a hint of spice
• Structure: Tannins that are firm but never harsh, with lively acidity
• Balance: Made to be enjoyable and harmonious, not overly extracted

These wines are crafted to age, but they remain approachable, showing La Morra’s softer side.

Critical & Professional Recognition

Cordero Mario flies under the radar, not chasing scores or trends. Reviews praise their wines for tradition and honest La Morra character. They appear in some guides, but accolades aren’t their focus.

Why This Producer Matters

Cordero Mario is among the few small, family-run Barolo wineries that value tradition and consistency over hype. In a region split between modern and traditional, they quietly make classic, unpretentious Barolo with a true sense of place.

For sommeliers and wine lovers, these bottles offer true La Morra character and consistent quality. Their value is in consistency, authenticity, and a real connection to BaroQQlo’s roots.