Barolo Riserva Speciale Luigi Calissano & Figli 1968
The Barolo Riserva Speciale 1968 is a classic red wine from Luigi Calissano & Figli, a historic Piedmontese winery founded in the late 1800s. Based in Alba, the estate was part of a group of smaller producers that significantly contributed to the region's wine culture throughout the first half of the 20th century, supplying traditional Barolo and Barbaresco to both local and international markets. The winery held the prestigious title of purveyors of wine to the Royal House and accumulated numerous gold medals at international exhibitions between 1892 and 1914.
This wine originates from Barolo, one of the most prestigious wine areas located in the Langhe hills southwest of Alba, within the renowned Piedmont region of northwestern Italy. Piedmont, which translates to "at the foot of the mountain," is surrounded by the Alps and is celebrated for its dramatic, steep hills often enveloped in thick autumn morning fog. This fog traditionally protects the grapes and allows for a long ripening period. The 1968 vintage in this area was characterized by weak and rainy conditions. The wine was bottled directly in the production zone and holds the Denominazione d'Origine Controllata classification.
The wine is made from Nebbiolo, an esteemed Italian grape that is deeply tied to the Barolo area and serves as the foundation for the region's most famous red wines. The bottle also bears the mark of the Consortium for the defense of typical fine Barolo and Barbaresco wines, underlining its traditional roots.
Luigi Calissano & Figli represents a bygone era of traditional winemaking before the modern Italian wine revolution took hold. The producer faced financial difficulties and went bankrupt in the 1970s, closing its doors permanently. Today, bottles from Calissano are primarily found in older vintages from the 1950s to the 1970s, circulating at wine auctions and specialty merchants. This 1968 Riserva Speciale stands as a niche piece of classic Piedmontese wine history.
The history of the wine
Below, you can delve into the history of this wine — its producer, grape, area, and region.
Piedmont
Piedmont (which literally means "at the foot of the mountain") is located in northwestern Italy, surrounded by the Alps. It is considered one of the world's absolute most prestigious wine regions. The area is known for small, passionate, family-run wineries and a huge focus on terroir (how the soil and microclimate affect the wine).
Classic characteristics of Piedmont:
The royal wines: This is where the world-famous, complex and expensive red wines Barolo and Barbaresco come from (both made from 100% Nebbiolo).
Everyday heroes: In addition to Nebbiolo, the region is famous for the grapes Barbera (juicy, acidic and incredibly popular) and Dolcetto (dark, soft and fruity).
The white and sweet: Piedmont also makes the crisp white wine Gavi and the famous, lightly sparkling dessert bubbles Moscato d'Asti.
The landscape: Dramatic, steep hills – especially in the Langhe sub-area. The hills are often shrouded in thick morning mist in autumn, which protects the grapes and allows for a long, perfect ripening.
Gastronomy: An absolute mecca for food lovers. The area is world famous for the exclusive white truffles from Alba, hazelnuts and rich, simmered dishes that scream with a glass of local red wine.
When this wine was made, the world looked very different. Here are some of the stories that unfolded while this bottle quietly aged in its cellar.
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How it handles
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Storage
Store the bottle horizontally at 12–14°C and avoid direct sunlight, vibrations, and temperature fluctuations.
Opening
Allow the bottle to stand upright for 24–48 hours before opening to allow sediment to settle. Use a professional corkscrew and open carefully.
Enjoyment
Serve at 17–18°C and be patient – there is a great difference in how and how quickly wines open up when they are aerated.
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