Ferdinando and his wife Belen are the
second generation of this family to produce wine. The Principiano
family began purchasing plots in Monforte d'Alba in the early 20th
Century. It is a very small family estate and they produce only
around 35,000 bottles per year. His father Americano inherited the
vineyards and started the winery in 1950.
Ferdinando is one of the most passionate
individuals you could ever wish to meet and one of Barolo's rising
young stars. This is reflected in his approach to making his wines.
He firmly believes that wines from the Langhe should not take on an
international style but should be a reflection of the place they
come from − so his wine making style reflects the traditional
methods − no use of chemicals in the vineyard or temperature
control in the cellar, producing stunning results.
His style is also brave and experimental -
he is the most ruthless in the vineyards at thinning his fruit in
order to create a level of concentration in the remaining grapes
that delivers a depth and richness in his wines that are simply
unique - his cru Barolo Boscareto from the commune of Serralunga
d'Alba and his Barbera La Romualda (produced from one of the oldest
Barbera vineyards in the Langhe) are among the best made in the
Langhe.