It was the 2000s and Marco and Nicola Barollo, after university studies, decided to follow their dream, fueled by the stories of their grandfather and father Alfredo, a life dedicated to the world of wine, of creating their own winery.

To do this, the two brothers turned to family friend and oenologist Carlo Corino, defined by Veronelli as “the Prince of Oenologists“, the pioneer of Sicilian Chardonnay, and from Padua, their hometown, they set out on the hunt for the perfect terroirs where to make grow international wines, with a strong and passionate character, just like them.

Our wines contain in their flavor the memory of a land that was once the sea and the passion of three generations of our family.

(Marco e Nicola Barollo)

They find it in an unprecedented territory full of potential, a real challenge for the era that their wandering spirit feels like undertaking with enthusiasm: a large plain in the province of Treviso, in Preganziol, where the fresh air of the Dolomites meets the climate mitigated by the Venetian sea, characterized by a unique microclimate.

Here, in fact, the mountains embrace the land, protecting the vineyards from atmospheric agents and guaranteeing ventilation that keeps the grapes fresh and dry, in perfect balance in their flavor. Characteristic given by the lands characterized by incursions of sea water which over time has salinised them and where the very presence of the sea has even more ancient origins.

Thus, in 2001 Barollo Winery was born, a project that began with Chardonnay, which was able to immediately express great minerality by winning important world competitions such as Chardonnay Du Monde in 2006, then joined by vines with an international scope and, at the same time, linked to Venetian tradition.

In 2008 Frank! was born, 100% Cabernet Franc, which with its extraordinary elegance and complexity has become the flagship of Barollo in the world. A wine, produced in just 15,000 bottles, which has won many awards and mentions in national and international guides, including the renowned Gambero Rosso Tre Bicchieri and the quote as one of the best Italian reds in Corriere della Sera.

In the 40 hectares of the estate, today the Metodo Classico Riserva Alfredo Barollo is also produced, as well as wines suitable for daily consumption, pleasant and convivial, such as Frater Rosso, from Merlot grapes, and Frater Bianco, from Chardonnay grapes, Prosecco Millesimato Brut and Prosecco Rosé Millesimato Brut.

Driven by the passion to create special wines, every smallest production process in the cellar is followed by Marco and Nicola together with their team with care and dedication: from tilling the soil to pruning, from the manual selection of the best bunches to certifications, such as the SQNPI certification, National Integrated Production Quality System, obtained in 2022.

Furthermore, Barollo is part of the Wine Research Team of Riccardo Cotarella, the winery’s current oenologist, which sees it as a protagonist, together with other selected companies, in the field of research and experimentation in the Italian wine scene.

The year 2022 marks the beginning of another big news for the world of Barollo Winery: the birth of a hospitality project to offer visitors a complete and fun experience of their world. Today you can choose between the Barollo 360° Wine Tour and the Terre Nostre Wine Tour, which, after a visit to the vineyards and winemaking areas, including the barrel cellar, involves tasting 6 wines or 4 wines of the brand respectively.

In summer, set up under the wonderful pergola overlooking the vineyards and in winter in the cosy room with fireplace, both tastings are combined with a platter of locally produced cured meats and cheeses, possibly with a vegetarian and vegan alternative, and include the possibility of a return transfer to the winery.

Definitely one of the most “rock” and innovative companies on the Italian wine scene which is really worth a visit to get to know “Frank!” and maybe take a few bottles home by doing some shopping at the store (shipping abroad also available)!

The Secret

The name Frank! it was chosen because in 2008, the year of its launch, it was not allowed to use the name “Cabernet Franc” but only “Cabernet” on the label. Therefore, to enhance the typicality of the pure Cabernet Franc vine, the fictional name Frank! was invented.

Useful Info

Barollo Winery
Via Rio Serva 4/B
31022 Preganziol, Treviso
Tel. +39 0422 633014

Wine Shop and Wine Tasting opening hours: 9am – 12pm and 2pm – 5pm, from Monday to Friday
Tastings: by reservation, also in English, from 20 euros per person