Roccabella: A Gateway to Nebbiolo Excellence
Location and Characteristics
Just a stone's throw from La Morra yet outside the sacred Barolo zone lies the Roccabella vineyard. Owned by Cinzia and Eugenio, the 1.5-hectare vineyard was entirely planted with Nebbiolo in 1997. The soil composition is predominantly clay and sand. Roccabella serves as an introduction to the Nebbiolo offerings from the duo, though this designation might undersell its true quality.
Vinification and Aging
Fermentation occurs spontaneously with wild yeasts in stainless steel tanks, with variable skin contact time. The wine is aged for 14 months in used oak barrels with capacities of 25 and 32 hectoliters.
Style
Soft and elegant, yet cool, structured, and invigorating. Aromas of roses mingle with ripe cherries and herbs. Despite the extended maceration, the tannins are mellow and velvety, while the mild acidity provides direction and energy, delivering a textured and vibrant experience on the palate.
Technical Sheet
- Grape Variety: 100% Nebbiolo
- Vineyard: Roccabella – located just outside La Morra, planted in 1997; clay and sand soil.
- Harvest: Hand-picked
- Fermentation: Spontaneous fermentation with wild yeasts in stainless steel tanks.
- Aging: 14 months in used oak barrels (25 and 32 hl).
- Filtration: None
- SO₂ Content: <50 mg/l
- Alcohol Content: 14.5% vol
- Closure: Natural cork
- Serving Temperature: 16–18°C
- Optimal Drinking Window: Now – 2030
- Content and Price per Liter: 0.75 l (€37.29/l)
All winemakers listed with Vinonudo use compost, organic fertilizers, and natural preparations in their vineyards. They avoid herbicides, pesticides, and synthetic fertilizers.
