About this wine
Vineyard and terroir
The fruit comes from Vigna Pianpolvere Soprano in Bussia, within the municipality of Monforte d’Alba. Historically divided into Vigna Pianpolvere and the higher Vigna Pianpolvere Soprano, the vineyard extends across 9 hectares and is owned exclusively by Rocche dei Manzoni. Its exposure is predominantly west, with a small south-west-facing section. The published coordinates are 44°36′8″ N, 7°57′55″ E.
The vineyard is managed under the Green Experience programme. Practices include eliminating chemical herbicides, maintaining plant cover, sowing green manure, mating disruption, using organic fertilisers exclusively, and installing artificial nests for birds and bats. A spring-fed lake within the vineyard supports local wildlife. The vines are Guyot-trained at a density of 4,000 plants per hectare.
Grapes
100% Nebbiolo for Barolo. The Riserva is made only in vintages whose conditions are considered suitable throughout the growing season.
Vinification
Primary fermentation extracts polyphenols and anthocyanins during approximately 21 days of skin contact.
Ageing
The wine matures first in wood and then in cement, followed by further bottle ageing before release. Its overall maturation is between seven and ten years.
Technical data
Alcohol: 14.5%. Available formats are 0.75 L, 1.5 L and 3 L, presented in a heavy, dark-glass Burgundy bottle. The projected cellaring life is 35–40 years.
Tasting profile
Intense ruby red. The bouquet is rich, expansive and persistent. The palate is full, powerful and complete yet harmonious and elegant, with a smooth, savoury and velvety texture and notable balance.
Label / history
The name Pianpolvere dates to the late eighteenth century, when Napoleon Bonaparte built a powder magazine on the site; “Soprano” identifies the higher portion of the vineyard. The land later became ecclesiastical property and was acquired by the Fenocchio family in the early twentieth century. That family vinified its grapes for 68 years. The Migliorini family acquired the property in 1998, and its first production vintage was 1999.
