Luca Currado (second from left), Elena Penna (r) and their children, Giulia (l) and Michele, (second from right).
Early last year, Elena Penna and Luca Currado seized the opportunity to purchase the historic Cascina Lazzarito, which crowns the Lazzarito cru at the entrance to the village of Serralunga d’Alba. Built in 1554 and originally called Santa Giulia, the farmhouse was owned by the Marchesi Falletti before being passed onto the Opera Pia Barolo (a charitable institution).
Cascina Lazzarito boasts sweeping views of the Barolo region. According to Penna it is: ‘A magical place where we can start our new family voyage.’ They immediately set about restoring it according to UNESCO’s stringent guidelines.
Concerning the vineyards, the family has pieced together approximately 20 hectares. The acquisition of 13 contiguous hectares in the hamlet of San Sebastiano was facilitated by a 20-year friendship with the estate’s former owners. While within the Monforte d’Alba township, it sits just outside the Barolo zone.
Penna describes its positioning as strategic, particularly with respect to climate change. The vineyards look towards the mountains and are moderated by cool outflows. The property also boasts forest and a small natural lake, which will prove to be an advantage in arid vintages when emergency irrigation is permitted. ‘This site has everything for the future,’ she said.
The first wines under the Cascina Penna-Currado label hail largely from the 2023 vintage and will be released later this year. Alongside a Langhe Nebbiolo and Dolcetto d’Alba from the San Sebastiano property, the
