Piero BUSSO
PIERO BUSSO – Barbaresco
Piero Busso is a family-run estate in Neive, shaped by three generations and a strong sense of continuity tied to its 10 hectares of vines. The estate is currently headed by Pierguido Busso, known simply as Piero, whose very name reflects the layered history of the house: Guido was his grandfather and Piero his father. In Piedmont, names are frequently recycled to honor ancestry, a tradition that ensures lineage remains eternal even if a touch of confusion is guaranteed. The foundation of the estate’s prestige was laid in 1948 when grandfather Guido planted their most important site, Albesani. Following his untimely death, it was grandmother Ada who became the steward of the land, preserving and caring for the vines through the following decades with a dedication that allowed the estate to survive.
The modern era of the winery began in the 1970s when Guido’s son, Piero, left behind city life in Alba to return to his roots. In 1982, he produced the estate’s first Barbaresco, marking the formal birth of the winery and establishing the "purist" style for which they are now famous. This commitment to the land was passed down to the third generation; Pierguido joined the business in 2004, initially dedicating himself exclusively to vineyard work for six years to develop a granular understanding of each parcel before ever attempting to vinify in 2010. Today, the family operation is complete with his sister, Emanuela Busso, who joined five years ago to manage hospitality, administration, and communication. Two generations now work side by side, with the elder Piero handing over direction to his children while remaining an essential source of experience and guidance.
Farming is conducted under strict organic and regenerative principles, a choice that naturally limits yields and keeps total production modest, reaching about 55,000 bottles in only the most generous years. This philosophy is anchored in the belief that great Nebbiolo is born in the soil, and in the cellar, the family remains faithful to long skin contact and large Slavonian oak botti. These traditional methods allow for the "submerged cap" fermentation technique, which can last for up to two months for the top bottlings. This slow extraction results in a tannin profile that is initially firm and commanding but eventually evolves into a silken, majestic texture that is the hallmark of world-class Barbaresco.
Among the portfolio, the Albesani "Viti Vecchie" remains the spiritual heart of the estate, a monumental wine characterized by a kaleidoscopic aromatic profile of withered roses, balsamic herbs, and white truffle. Registered today as Società Agricola Busso Pierguido e Busso Emanuela, the estate remains defined by deep vineyard familiarity and a long-term vision rooted in Neive’s historic soils. To drink a Piero Busso Barbaresco is to experience an authentic, transparent translation of the Langhe, captured by a family that understands that their greatest contribution to the wine is their ability to step back and let the heritage of the Albesani hill lead the way.
Imported exclusively in Hong Kong and Macau by Souveraine Limited and in Mainland China by MUYI
Piero BUSSO - Barbaresco DOCG Albesani Vigna Borgese The Albesani Vigna Borgese serves as a quintessential introduction to the Neive style, capturing the intersection of austerity and grace. It is a wine defined by its elegance and intensity, offering a profile that is present and structured without becoming overwhelming. The tannins are finely etched and light on their feet, making this an ideal candidate for those looking to explore the rich, complex world of Barbaresco through a lens of balance and approachability.
Altitude: 210-2140m
Exposure: south esterly
Soil: calcareous - clay-sit
Planted: 30-70 years ago
Variety: 100% Nebbiolo
Piero BUSSO - Barbaresco DOCG Albesani Viti Vecchie Riserva Produced only in the most exceptional vintages, the Albesani Viti Vecchie Riserva is the estate’s bridge between history and the future. Utilizing vines that date back to the late 1940s, the family employs a distinct vinification style characterized by significantly longer macerations. This "Old Vine" expression is a piece of living history, offering a profound depth and a structured complexity that looks forward to decades of evolution in the bottle.
Piero BUSSO - Barbaresco DOCG Gallina The Gallina bottling stands in fascinating contrast to the Albesani Crus, reflecting the distinct terroir of the hill located directly opposite the estate. This wine is celebrated for its duality of potency and elegance, delivering a palate marked by thick, sweet tannins. The geographical shift is immediately evident in its aromatics and perfumes, resulting in a Barbaresco that is as structured as it is enveloping.
Altitude: 220-240m
Exposure: south westerly
Soil: calcareous - clay - sandy
Planted: 20-50 years ago
Variety: 100% Nebbiolo
Piero BUSSO - Barbaresco DOCG Gallina Viti Vecchie Debuting with the 2015 vintage, the Gallina Viti Vecchie is crafted from vines planted in the early 1950s. These ancient vines provide grapes with an extraordinary expressive depth, which the Busso family translates into a wine of remarkable silkiness. Despite its intense and structured core, the tannins remain particularly polished, creating a drinking experience that is both powerful and sophisticated.
Piero BUSSO - Barbaresco DOCG Mondino Located in the Balluri area of Neive on the Bricco Mondino hill, this Barbaresco is the most extroverted and fruit-forward wine in the cellar. With its delicate tannins and open personality, it is typically the first of the Barbarescos to be released each year. It serves as a welcoming gateway for novices to the region, offering a charming and accessible glimpse into the historic red wines of Piedmont.
Altitude: 240m
Exposure: south westerly
Soil: calcareous - sandy
Planted: 40-50 years ago
Variety: 100% Nebbiolo
Piero BUSSO - Barbaresco DOCG San Stunet Sourced from vineyards in Treiso, the San Stunet highlights the high-altitude freshness associated with this specific village. This wine demands more patience than its siblings, often requiring an additional year or two in the cellar to fully harmonize. Once ready, it reveals remarkable tannins and an exceptional acidity that provides a vibrant, vertical energy on the palate.
Altitude: 400m
Exposure: south easterly
Soil: calcareous - sandy
Planted: 35 years ago
Variety: 100% Nebbiolo
Piero BUSSO - Langhe Nebbiolo DOC Far from being a "secondary" wine, the Langhe Nebbiolo is the result of a deliberate selection process during the harvest. Produced from younger vines grown in richer soils, it is designed to be harmonious and balanced from the start. It maintains the noble characteristics of the Nebbiolo grape—specifically its balanced alcohol and refined tannins—while offering a more immediate pleasure than the long-aged Barbarescos.
Altitude: 200m
Exposure: south westerly
Soil: clay - sandy
Variety: 100% Nebbiolo
Piero BUSSO - Barbera d’Alba DOC Majano The Majano bottling originates from calcareous clay soils, which impart a full, vinous body to the wine. While it sees some time in wood, the oak influence is barely noticeable, serving only to support a structure that emphasizes lush, fruity expressions. It is a vibrant and quintessential representation of Barbera d’Alba, focused on purity and varietal character.
Altitude: 180m
Exposure: south westerly
Soil: clay - sandy
Variety: 100% Barbera d’Alba
Piero BUSSO - Barbera d’Alba DOC Vigna San Stefanetto Vigna San Stefanetto is a more concentrated and mature expression of Barbera, characterized by its impressive persistence. It is a full-bodied red that balances its rich, ripe fruit with the excellent natural acidity typical of the variety. The hallmark of this wine is its long and lingering finish, which speaks to the superior quality of the San Stefanetto vineyard site.
Altitude: 380m
Exposure: south westerly
Soil: calcareous - clay
Planted: 25-50 years ago
Variety: 100% Barbera d’Alba
Piero BUSSO - Langhe Sauvignon DOC Arbe’ Arbe’ represents a purposeful departure from the global, standardized style of Sauvignon Blanc. Processed exclusively in steel using whole bunches, the estate pursues a white wine that is distinct and rooted in their own cellar philosophy rather than international trends. It is an evolving step in their journey to create a white wine that matches the personality and integrity of their reds.
Altitude: 180m
Exposure: north easterly
Soil: calcareous
Planted: 25-50 years ago
Variety: 100% Sauvignon Blanc
Piero BUSSO - Langhe Chardonnay DOC This pure Chardonnay is a refined addition to the Busso range, embodying the family's relentless dedication to quality and territorial expression. Distinguished by a pronounced freshness and a harmonious acidity, the wine allows its fruity notes to emerge with quiet elegance. The result is a balanced and persistent sip that reflects the cooler nuances of the Piedmontese terroir.
Altitude: 180m
Exposure: northeast
Soil: calcareous
Planted: 25-50 years ago
Variety: 100% chardonnay