Cavallotto
Summary
Cavallotto is a third-generation family estate operating 25 hectares in Castiglione Falletto since 1928, producing traditional Barolo primarily from their monopole Bricco Boschis cru, where calcareous clay soils with varying sand and limestone create ideal conditions for Nebbiolo. Their winemaking combines certified organic viticulture with traditional methods including indigenous yeast fermentation, extended maceration, and aging exclusively in large Slavonian oak casks for periods exceeding DOCG requirements.
Heritage & Leadership
Cavallotto's history began in 1928 when Giacomo Cavallotto purchased the Tenuta Bricco Boschis estate in Castiglione Falletto, at the heart of the Barolo region. Prior to this acquisition, the Cavallotto family had worked as sharecroppers (mezzadri) on the property. The estate represents one of the earliest examples of a family-operated winery in Barolo, as the Cavallottos were among the first in the area to vinify their own grapes rather than selling them to larger producers.
The second generation, led by brothers Olivio and Gildo Cavallotto, continued building the estate's reputation through the mid-20th century. In 1946, they bottled the first Cavallotto-labeled wines, marking a significant milestone in the family's history. Today, the third generation manages the estate, with siblings Alfio, Giuseppe, and Laura Cavallotto dividing responsibilities across vineyard management, winemaking, and business operations. This continuity of family ownership has allowed Cavallotto to maintain consistent quality and a clear stylistic identity throughout its history.
Vineyards & Wines
Cavallotto's 25 hectares of vineyards are situated entirely within the commune of Castiglione Falletto. The crown jewel of their holdings is the Bricco Boschis cru, a south/southeast-facing hillside vineyard that surrounds the family's home and winery. This monopole (exclusively owned) vineyard spans 16 hectares and ranges in elevation from 250 to 350 meters above sea level. The remaining 9 hectares comprise the Vignolo cru, which lies adjacent to Bricco Boschis.
The estate's vineyards feature predominantly calcareous clay soils with varying amounts of sand and limestone. These soils, combined with the favorable mesoclimate of Castiglione Falletto, provide ideal conditions for Nebbiolo cultivation. Within Bricco Boschis, the family recognizes several distinct parcels, including the prized Vigna San Giuseppe, which produces their top Barolo Riserva.
The vineyard plantings consist of 13 hectares of Nebbiolo, 5 hectares of Barbera, 3 hectares of Dolcetto, and smaller parcels of Freisa, Grignolino, and Chardonnay. From these vineyards, Cavallotto produces a focused range of wines, including their flagship Barolo Bricco Boschis, Barolo Riserva Vignolo, Barolo Riserva Bricco Boschis Vigna San Giuseppe, Langhe Nebbiolo, Barbera d'Alba Vigna del Cuculo, Dolcetto d'Alba Vigna Scot, and limited quantities of Freisa and Grignolino.
Philosophy & Practice
Cavallotto adheres to traditional winemaking methods while incorporating modern understanding of viticulture. The estate received organic certification in 2010 after practicing organic farming methods for many years prior. Their approach emphasizes minimal intervention in both the vineyard and cellar.
In the vineyard, cover crops are maintained between rows to promote biodiversity and soil health. Vineyard work is performed manually, including green harvesting to control yields and ensure optimal ripening. Harvest is conducted by hand, with careful selection of fruit both in the vineyard and at the sorting table.
The winemaking process for their Barolo follows time-honored traditions. Fermentation occurs in temperature-controlled stainless steel tanks with indigenous yeasts. For Barolo, maceration extends from 20 to 30 days, depending on the vintage. Aging takes place exclusively in large Slavonian oak casks (botti grandi) ranging from 20 to 60 hectoliters in capacity. Their Barolo Bricco Boschis ages for a minimum of 3 years in these casks, while the Riserva wines age for at least 4 years before bottling.
This commitment to traditional methods extends to their decision to maintain long aging periods beyond the minimum DOCG requirements, allowing their wines to develop complexity before release. The family's philosophy centers on producing wines that express the specific character of their vineyards while maintaining the classic structure and aging potential for which Barolo is known.