Barolo Rocche di Castiglione DOCG

Vineyard and terroir

The 0.66 ha vineyard is in Castiglione Falletto at 250 m elevation, with a south-eastern exposure. Its 65-year-old vines are among the estate’s oldest. They are planted at 4,500 vines per hectare and trained to Guyot on a vertical trellis. Yield is 65 q/ha.

Rocche di Castiglione forms a narrow tongue of land above the steep, wooded section of the hill known as the rocche. Bedrock reaches close to the surface, while the sedimentary soil is shallow, lean and relatively loose. The vines can suffer water stress during the hottest periods.

Grapes

100% Nebbiolo.

Vinification

Harvest takes place during the first ten days of October. Grapes undergo rigorous manual selection in both the vineyard and cellar, followed by destemming, crushing, fermentation and maceration. Malolactic fermentation follows in December.

Ageing

Thirty months in 20 hl oak casks. The wine is bottled at the end of summer and receives a further year of bottle ageing before release.

Technical data

Annual production is approximately 2,500–2,600 bottles.

Tasting profile

Ruby red with subtle garnet reflections. The bouquet combines balsamic aromas, liquorice and chocolate with mixed small red berries. The tannins are sweet and enveloping.