Perno lies in a highly regarded sector of Monforte d'Alba. The Sordo vines range from approximately 25 to 35 years old and rise from 270 to 400 meters on a south-east-facing slope.
Tufaceous ground carries bands of difficult red soil above stone and detrital rock, cemented by sandy and clay-rich components associated with the Langhian stage. The vineyard is trained on a vertical trellis with traditional Guyot pruning at approximately 4,000 vines per hectare. The published reference yield is 75-80 q/ha.
The Nebbiolo is crushed and destemmed, then fermented in temperature-controlled stainless steel. A traditional submerged cap supports a long maceration of four to seven weeks, depending on the vintage, followed by natural malolactic fermentation around 20°C and two to four months in stainless steel.
The wine matures for 24 months in large Slavonian oak barrels, then rests for four to six months in stainless steel and a minimum of six months in bottle before release.
Rich and persistent, combining ripe fruit with hardwood, spice and licorice. The palate is warm and expansive; pronounced acidity and tannin become sweeter in feel, finishing exceptionally long.
Perno translates Monforte's rocky, red-soiled slope into warmth, depth and a very long finish.