DROP 11
Drop 11 – Outside
Tino Kuban & Alessandro Salvan
Alessandro Salvano is a maverick in the world of Piedmontese winemaking, a region steeped in tradition yet often bound by rules. Salvano doesn’t just follow the path of Barolo — he steps outside of it. His vineyard, located just outside the official Barolo zone, sits on the same prestigious soils, but the philosophy is a world apart. With his DWNL (Drink Wines Not Labels) mantra, Salvano seeks to let the Nebbiolo grape speak for itself, without the weight of tradition or the interference of modern winemaking techniques. He embraces the purity and transparency of the wine, crafting each bottle with minimal intervention — using whole-cluster fermentation and native yeasts. For him, it’s not about showing off a label; it’s about letting the essence of the grape shine, much like the unadorned, elegant wines of Burgundy. Salvano is rewriting the story of Barolo, one bottle at a time, and the result is something truly unique.
Tino Kuban is an emerging star in Burgundy, redefining négociant winemaking with his Domaine Maison Glandien. With a strong focus on quality and innovation, Kuban works with old vines and employs biodynamic and organic farming practices. His wines are known for their structure, precision, and remarkable finesse, reflecting both the influence of Burgundy and his unique touch
Inside the box
Outside 2021 by Alessandro Salvano
Outside 2021 is not just a wine; it’s a statement. A bold departure from the conventions of Barolo, it’s a wine born at the edge of the region — quite literally, just outside the official Barolo zone. The vines here sit on the same prized soils and face the same sun-drenched exposures, yet the wine takes a different path. Made with minimal intervention, Salvano’s Outside is an expression of what Nebbiolo can be when it’s allowed to speak without the constraints of tradition. With whole-cluster fermentation and native yeasts, it has an honesty and transparency that lets the purity of the grape shine through. There’s no makeup, no artifice — just the essence of Nebbiolo, in all its delicate beauty. This is a wine that invites you to rethink what Barolo (and Nebbiolo) can be, offering an unpolished, raw glimpse into the grape’s true soul.
Drinking recommendation: NOW
Les Roches Rouge 2023 by Tino Kuban
Les Roches Rouge 2023 is a wine of remarkable tension and structure. Sourced from 70-year-old Pinot Noir vines in the Clos de la Roche, nestled between Santenay and Mercurey, it carries the weight of history and the precision of modern winemaking. The clay-limestone soils of this iconic Burgundy vineyard impart a mineral clarity, while the wine’s fine balance between fruit, acidity, and structure reveals a depth that lingers long after the last sip. The 2023 vintage is youthful yet poised, with a quiet strength that comes from old vines and careful, organic farming. Every glass is a reminder of the timeless elegance of Burgundy’s terroir, but with an energy that feels fresh and alive.
Drinking recommendation: END OF 26 or DECANTE it!
Le Freddie Rouge 2023 by Tino Kuban
Le Freddie Rouge 2023 tells a different side of Burgundy, one marked by darker fruits and deep complexity. Coming from the marl-rich slopes of Mercurey, this wine is built from 70-year-old vines that yield a Pinot Noir with a rich, layered character. The nose is inviting, with dark berries and earthy notes that lead into a palate of velvety tannins and a vibrant, almost electric energy. There’s a certain elegance to this wine, a finesse that is signature to Tino’s hand, yet it carries a depth that suggests the potential for aging. Le Freddie Rouge is a wine that reveals itself slowly, with each sip bringing new layers of flavor, from the fruit to the subtle spice and mineral undertones. It’s Burgundy at its best — both graceful and complex, yet always approachable.
Drinking recommendation: END OF 26 or DECANTE it!