Lara Rocchetti & Luisa Sala—Lalù—met in 2010 while studying at Pollentia’s Gastronomic Science University. After graduation, Lara headed to Argentina, while Luisa went to the Cape wine lands. Neither’s family had any prior viticultural experience, but Luisa & Lara found themselves drawn to both the vine & to making wine.

On their return from abroad, a chance encounter with Trediberri’s Nicola Oberto led to a stint working at the cantina’s La Morra vineyards. It was Nicola’s father Federico who, with typical generosity, opened the door to their first vineyard purchase in 2015—a 0.5ha parcel in Roncaglie, La Morra. Then the two worked at both Reva & Conterno-Fantino. It was Claudia Conterno, who’s advice on organic vineyard management, leads them in their farming approach today. Then, in 2017 they took the opportunity to see winemaking from a different vantage point and worked in Burgundy: first at Domaine Lafon in Meursault, before heading to Morey St. Denis to assist Cecile Tremblay.

The Lalù wines show a distinct, elegant touch to the winemaking with clear influences from masters of the craft in both Burgundy and Barolo.