Giovanni Canonica, Barolo

While you might not expect exceptional Barolo to emerge from a humble cellar beneath a Bed and Breakfast, that's exactly where Giovanni Canonica is crafting some of the most compelling wines in the region.

Despite the unassuming setting, Canonica's approach to winemaking is anything but ordinary. He and his wife produce just three wines commercially – a Langhe Nebbiolo, a Barolo di Grinzane Cavour, and a singular Barolo "Paiagallo" – yet each one is a testament to Canonica's meticulous attention to detail.

All the grapes undergo full destemming and extended macerations of 30-40 days. This fastidious attention to quality, coupled with Canonica's minuscule annual production of just 10,000 bottles, has earned him a cult-like following among Barolo enthusiasts.