Pianpolvere

Origins of the name

The vineyard was historically divided into two sections, Vigna Pianpolvere and Vigna Pianpolvere Soprano. The name Pianpolvere Soprano dates to the late eighteenth century. During the Napoleonic era, Napoleon Bonaparte had a powder magazine built on the plot: Pianpolvere recalls this former use, while Soprano identifies the upper part of the vineyard.

Ecclesiastical ownership and the Fenocchio family

After the Napoleonic period, the property passed into ecclesiastical ownership. The Fenocchio family acquired it in the early twentieth century and vinified its grapes for 68 years.

Acquisition by the Migliorini family

In 1998, the vineyard became the property of the Migliorini family, already active as wine producers in Monforte d’Alba through Podere Rocche dei Manzoni. The family’s first production of Pianpolvere Soprano Bussia Barolo Riserva followed with the 1999 vintage. The vineyard’s two historic sections, Vigna Pianpolvere and Vigna Pianpolvere Soprano, are held exclusively by Rocche dei Manzoni.

Replanting and a second Barolo project

The vines were replanted under the Migliorini family. As the replanted vineyard matured, its fruit became suitable for a Barolo conceived for a shorter ageing cycle than the established Riserva.

The 2016 vintage became the first production year of Pianpolvere Soprano Bussia Barolo DOCG. In 2020, the family launched this as a new project for the Italian market: a younger expression of the vineyard alongside Pianpolvere Soprano Bussia Barolo Riserva DOCG. Its planned ageing period is four years, compared with seven to ten years for the Riserva. The project was developed by Rocche dei Manzoni and realized by Rodolfo Migliorini.

The Migliorini family cultivates Nebbiolo manually and applies integrated pest management through the Green Experience Project.

Chemical herbicides have been eliminated completely. Vineyard-floor management includes permanent or sown grass and herb cover, flower essences and green manure. Fertility is supported exclusively with organic fertilizers, while mating disruption is used for pest control.

Artificial nesting sites have been installed for birds and bats. A spring-fed lake within the vineyard further supports wildlife, and numerous animal species have established habitat on the property. These measures are directed toward protecting the land, its ecological balance and the vineyard’s expression of place.

Production is based entirely on Nebbiolo from the estate vineyard in Bussia. Fermentation is carried out in contact with the skins to extract polyphenols and anthocyanins.

The wines are aged first in wood and subsequently refined in cement. After bottling, they receive an additional period of bottle maturation before release.

The estate follows two ageing paths. Pianpolvere Soprano Bussia Barolo Riserva DOCG is made only in the best vintages, when conditions throughout the growing year are considered suitable, and follows a total ageing horizon of seven to ten years. Pianpolvere Soprano Bussia Barolo DOCG was developed from mature replanted vines around a shorter four-year ageing cycle.