The Sandrone family runs an outstanding museum program they call Sibi et Paucis—the name is Latin and translates roughly as: for the few and favoured. Each year, about 10 to 15% of the production of their Nebbiolo wines (the two Barolos and the Valmaggiore) is held back in the winery’s underground cellars under optimal aging conditions, to provide this producer’s long-term clients with aged-release wines that are closer to maturity.
It is Luciano Sandrone’s dream that one day all his wines will be released only when they are ready to drink. Currently, the Sibi et Paucis wines start being re-released six years after the vintage for the Valmaggiore, and for the Barolos, 10 years after the vintage. It is a wonderful initiative that we, of course, welcome. Each release comes with a stamp on the label to differentiate it from the original release.