LaLu: The New Voice of Barolo
Few stories in modern Italian wine capture the imagination quite like LaLu. Founded by two young women, Lara Rocchetti and Luisa Sala, LaLu is redefining what Barolo can be. Their wines transcend the old modernist and traditionalist divide, uniting clarity, finesse and soul. In a region steeped in history and hierarchy, these outsiders from La Morra have carved out a place of their own, guided by intuition, respect for the land and a remarkable sense of precision.
Lara and Luisa’s story began at the University of Gastronomic Sciences in Pollenzo, where their shared passion for biodiversity sparked a journey that would take them across the globe. Early harvests in South Africa and Argentina broadened their understanding of terroir and texture, but it was their time at Trediberri in La Morra that anchored them to the Langhe. There, they fell in love with Nebbiolo’s purity and the quiet power of Barolo’s vineyards.
In 2014, at just 24 years old, they purchased their first half-hectare in the cru of Roncaglie and founded LaLu. To refine their craft, they apprenticed with two of Burgundy’s greatest names: Dominique Lafon in Meursault and Cécile Tremblay in Vosne-Romanée. From Lafon, they learned the rigour of biodynamics and the art of precision; from Tremblay, an instinctive sensitivity to touch and texture. These lessons became the foundation of LaLu’s philosophy.
At their small winery in La Morra, everything is done gently and naturally. The vineyards are farmed organically, fermentations are spontaneous, and the wines are moved only by gravity. No pumps, no punch-downs, no shortcuts. Each wine is a reflection of its place and vintage, balancing vibrancy with quiet depth. Their style has often been described as Burgundian in grace yet unmistakably rooted in Piedmont.
Wines Produced at LaLu
Langhe Nebbiolo
Sourced from organically farmed vineyards in La Morra, this wine is a luminous and finely detailed expression of Nebbiolo. Fermented with native yeasts and handled entirely by gravity, it reveals red cherries, rose petals and crushed herbs. Semi-carbonic maceration adds aromatic lift and freshness, while the tannins are fine and beautifully integrated. It’s a wine of transparency and charm, showcasing finesse over force.
Barbera d’Alba
LaLu’s Barbera captures both the generosity of the grape and the grace of their winemaking. Sourced from select plots in Monforte and La Morra, it’s fermented naturally and aged with minimal intervention. The result is a supple, vibrant wine with bright acidity, dark berry fruit and a subtle mineral finish. Inspired by their time with Cécile Tremblay, the Barbera carries a Burgundian sensuality and silky texture that make it uniquely compelling.
Barolo Le Coste Monforte
From the Roncaglie cru in La Morra, this Barolo embodies elegance, structure and depth. Fermented with native yeasts and aged in large conical oak casks, it balances aromatic lift with refined tannins. Notes of violet, redcurrant and spice unfold slowly, supported by a delicate mineral core. Every detail, from the gentle extraction to the seamless texture, reflects Lara and Luisa’s commitment to patience and precision. This is Barolo in its most graceful form, full of quiet power and authenticity.
LaLu is more than a winery; it’s a movement. A celebration of intuition, integrity and the belief that great wine begins with respect for nature. In every bottle, Lara and Luisa have captured something rare and beautiful: the true spirit of modern Barolo.
