The vine, as a plant, is driven by its natural instincts to survive and reproduce, rather than producing good wine. Bruno Rocca Wines understands this fundamental aspect and approaches winemaking with a deep respect for the vine's rhythms and needs. By "identifying with the plant," they are able to grasp the perfect moment to intervene and handpick the finest fruits, resulting in extraordinary wines.
At the heart of Bruno Rocca Wines lies the prestigious vineyards of the Barbaresco area, an exclusive region encompassing only four municipalities in southern Piedmont: Barbaresco, Neive, Treiso, and San Rocco Seno d'Elvio, a small fraction of Alba. Spanning approximately 682 hectares, the vineyards yield Barbaresco Nebbiolo grapes, totalling just over 50,000 quintals. This intimate and internationally recognized winemaking masterpiece is a testament to the team's unwavering dedication to quality.
Barbaresco, along with Barolo, was among the first appellations to obtain the prestigious DOC (Denomination of Controlled Origin) designation in 1966. In 1980, it was further elevated to DOCG (Denomination of Controlled and Guaranteed Origin) status. In 2007, Barbaresco became the pioneering wine to introduce Additional Geographical Mentions (MeGA), highlighting the unique characteristics contributed by the distinct plots within the Barbaresco region.
In 2014, the Barbaresco hills achieved a remarkable milestone by receiving official recognition as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This esteemed designation, the fiftieth in Italy, acknowledges the cultural and natural significance of the area, further enhancing the reputation of Barbaresco as an exceptional wine-producing region.
Cultivating a Nebbiolo vineyard for Barbaresco necessitates the presence of clayey and calcareous soils. Valley bottoms with insufficient sunlight and moisture are unequivocally excluded from the selection. These hilly lands trace their origins back to the Tertiary or Cenozoic Era, originating approximately 70 million years ago. Created through geological uplift and subsequent submersion by the sea, these lands were once seabeds at depths ranging from 300 to 500 meters. They are characterized by white tufa marl intermixed with bluish-grey marl and stratified sands. These soils, abundant in limestone and microelements, provide an ideal environment for cultivating Nebbiolo vines.
Producing Barbaresco requires unwavering patience and determination. The Nebbiolo vine demands constant care and attention throughout the year. The resulting wine must then undergo a minimum aging period of 26 months, commencing on November 1st of the harvest year. Of this time, at least 9 months must be spent maturing in wooden barrels. This meticulous process ensures the development of the distinctive characteristics that make Barbaresco a true expression of the land and the artistry behind Bruno Rocca Wines.
Discover the exquisite craftsmanship of Bruno Rocca Wines at The Reserve Cellar and experience the essence of Barbaresco's heritage in every bottle.