Bric Micca

Bric Micca sits in the southeastern sector of the Neive commune, one of three communes permitted to produce Barbaresco DOCG alongside Barbaresco itself and Treiso. The vineyard occupies the southern ridge above the Tinella stream, a tributary that shapes the microclimate of this corner of the Langhe. Elevations range from 300 to 350 meters, with exposures tilting south and south-west to maximize sunlight on Nebbiolo through the growing season. The continental temperate climate typical of the Langhe delivers warm summers and cold winters, with the Tinella valley providing useful ventilation to manage disease pressure.

• Commune: Neive, one of three Barbaresco DOCG communes
• Aspect: south to south-west facing, southeastern sector of Neive
• Elevation: 300 to 350 meters above sea level
• Adjacent to the southern ridge of the Tinella stream

The soils of Bric Micca are primarily sandy marine calcareous marl, the same ancient seabed sediments that underpin much of Langhe's finest Nebbiolo country. Clay-calcareous layers and white-gray marl with limestone content add complexity to the soil profile. The sandy component encourages good drainage and tends to produce wines with a slightly more lifted aromatic character and finesse, while the calcareous marl provides the mineral backbone and structure that allows for extended cellaring. This combination of well-drained sandy soils and calcareous substratum is a classic Barbaresco foundation for medium-to-full-bodied, age-worthy Nebbiolo.

• Primary soil type: sandy marine calcareous marl
• Secondary components: clay-calcareous layers and white-gray marl with limestone
• Sandy fraction promotes drainage and aromatic lift
• Calcareous substratum contributes mineral structure and longevity

Bric Micca earned its official status as a Menzione Geografica Aggiuntiva in 2007, when the Consorzio di Tutela Barbaresco formalized 66 subzones across the appellation. This MGA system, one of Italy's first systematic vineyard classification efforts for a DOCG, gave producers the right to cite their specific vineyard on the label, providing consumers with a more precise geographic reference than the commune-level designation alone. The Cascina Micca estate, operated by Dante Rivetti, began planting the site in 1997. Poderi Luigi Einaudi followed with their 1.60-hectare parcel, planted in 2001 and 2002, bringing additional winemaking perspective to the MGA.

• MGA status granted in 2007 as part of the 66-subzone Barbaresco classification
• Dante Rivetti (Cascina Micca) planted from 1997
• Poderi Luigi Einaudi planted their 1.60 ha parcel in 2001 and 2002
• The MGA system allows geographic specificity on labels beyond commune level

Barbaresco from Bric Micca is described as medium-bodied with a fruity, floral, and spicy character. In the glass, it shows garnet red with orange reflections, the hallmark hue of well-made Nebbiolo with some development. The combination of south-facing exposure and sandy calcareous soils tends to produce wines with good aromatic definition and structural finesse rather than sheer power. Aging potential is confirmed at 15 years or more, consistent with the demands of Barbaresco DOCG regulations and the nature of Nebbiolo as a variety. The three recognized producers, Dante Rivetti, Poderi Luigi Einaudi, and Cocito, each bring distinct approaches to this small MGA.

• Style: medium-bodied, fruity, floral, and spicy Nebbiolo
• Color: garnet red with orange reflections
• Aging potential: 15 or more years
• Key producers: Dante Rivetti, Poderi Luigi Einaudi, Cocito