Ettore Germano

Founded in 1856, the Germano estate represents five generations of family dedication to viticulture and the production of exceptional wines. The winery is based in Serralunga d’Alba, at the heart of one of Barolo’s most prestigious areas, with vineyards situated on the renowned Cerretta cru—an exceptional hillside with south, south‑east, and south‑west‑facing exposures.

Today, the estate farms approximately 10 hectares in Serralunga d’Alba, planted to Nebbiolo, Barbera, and Chardonnay. Germano also owns some of the finest vineyard sites in the region, including parcels in Lazzarito (a true grand cru), Cerretta, and Prapò, as well as the legendary Vignarionda which is widely regarded as the greatest single vineyard in Barolo.

In 1998, the family expanded beyond Serralunga with a new project in Alta Langa, in Cigliè, around 50 km away. Initial plantings of Riesling Renano and Chardonnay marked the beginning of what has grown into a 12‑hectare estate, now also including Pinot Nero and Nascetta, the only indigenous white grape variety of the Barolo zone.

Over the past decade, Germano’s wines have shown remarkable consistency and refinement. With all red vineyards located in Serralunga d’Alba, Sergio Germano produces wines of notable power, structure, and intensity. While modern techniques such as stainless‑steel fermentation are employed, the philosophy in the cellar remains firmly rooted in tradition.

The next generation is now fully involved. Elia Germano, having completed studies in oenology and marketing, works alongside his father overseeing the vineyards and managing relationships with customers worldwide. His sister Maria, a graduate in oenology, gained international experience through harvests in Burgundy, Australia, and Valtellina before returning to the estate, where she now works full‑time in the cellar, overseeing production and quality control.

Driven by passion, tradition, and a constant pursuit of improvement, the Germano family believes that even the smallest details can influence the final result—an ethos clearly reflected in both their vineyard work and their wines.

All wines by this producer (11)

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Producer Fact Sheet Details

“Ettore Germano is a wine estate in Serralunga d’Alba that can boasts one of the most impressive lineups of wines of any winery in the Barolo denomination.. they make what most people consider to be Italy’s best Riesling wine (Hérzu); a number of Alta Langa bubblies that are far and away amongst the best of that denomination and amongst the more interesting sparkling wines made in Italy; and a bevy of Barolos from really top-notch sites that speak clearly of the site the grapes were sourced from and that age gracefully.. when you buy a Barolo from Ettore Germano you are getting a Barolo that is made from a true grand cru or high-quality premier cru vineyard district” Ian D’Agata, Terroir Sense (May 2024)