The Rocca family originates from Barbaresco. Bruno Rocca took charge of the family business when his father died in 1978. The family now has 15 hectares of vineyards. Stylistically, Bruno is a consummate modernist, making wines with great intensity of fruit while retaining the structure and elegance of the Langhe region at its best.

Purchased by Bruno Rocca's father, this vineyard is in the Rabajà Cru, in the village of Barbaresco. It was planted in 1964 and completed in 1978. The land planted solely with Nebbiolo has a south-westerly exposure and is a mixture of tufaceous clay, marl and limestone. The vineyard is steep and is situated at an altitude of 260 to 315 metres above sea level. The vines are approximately 50-60 years old.

The grapes were hand harvested and selected in the vineyard. After harvest, the Nebbiolo grapes went through a second selection at the sorting table. The whole clusters were gently pressed with a pneumatic press before they underwent fermentation in 50HL stainless-steel tanks for 20-25 days. The wine was aged in 225LT French oak barriques for 12 months, and then for another 12 months in 16 to 20HL French oak barrels. Finally, the wine spent 12 months in bottle before release.

Weather: The 2018 vintage started with a long winter with plenty of rainfall until late May that filled the 2017 water deficit. Flowering was affected by rainfall, however, the strength of the vines and the abundant water supplies led to a successful harvest. Summer heat did not arrive until late June. In July a violent hailstorm badly affected the vineyards, delaying the vines growth. From September onwards there were mild, dry, sunny days and good diurnal temperatures which helped grapes ripen in a more balanced way and preserve aromas. Harvest began on the 29th of September, with grapes perfectly ripe and healthy and lasted until mid October.

Technical Information:
Vineyard: Rabajà Cru, in the village of Barbaresco
Grape: 100% Nebbiolo
Country: Italy
Region: Piedmont
Alcohol (ABV): 14.5 %
Acidity: 5.28 g/l
Residual sugar: 0.56 g/l

Tasting Note: Garnet in colour, this intensely perfumed wine has floral aromas of violets and rosehips, a hint of butter and red fruit notes of raspberry and cherry. These aromas follow onto the palate which is warm and mouth-filling, framed by broad Nebbiolo tannins. Elegant and long finish.