Bricco Chiesa

Bricco Chiesa sits within the Santa Maria fraction of La Morra, one of Barolo's most celebrated communes for elegant, aromatic wines. The vineyard occupies 2.56 hectares on a hillcrest at elevations between 210 and 290 meters. Its predominantly south-facing aspect, with southeastern exposure, delivers consistent sunlight throughout the growing season while morning mists from the Langhe valleys moderate temperatures and preserve aromatic freshness in the fruit.

• Located in the Santa Maria fraction of La Morra, within Barolo DOCG
• South and southeastern aspects maximize sun exposure across the growing season
• Morning mists and afternoon sun create favorable diurnal conditions for Nebbiolo

The vineyard rests on Tortonian-age blue-grey marl, the defining soil type of La Morra and Barolo communes to the west. This ancient marine sediment, formed during the Miocene epoch when the Langhe was covered by a shallow sea, is composed of fine clay mixed with sand and calcium carbonate. These soils drain well while retaining enough moisture to support Nebbiolo through warm, dry summers. The marine origins of the site were dramatically confirmed in 1928, when workers excavating a well at 9 meters depth uncovered a perfectly preserved Miocene Tortonian-age fish skeleton.

• Tortonian-age blue-grey marl is the dominant soil parent material
• Fine clay, sand, and calcium carbonate comprise the soil profile
• A fossilized Miocene fish skeleton was found at 9 meters depth in 1928
• These soils are associated with the softer, more aromatic style of western Barolo

The name Bricco Chiesa, sometimes rendered Santa Maria Bricco Chiesa, derives directly from the Church of Santa Maria della Neve located at the vineyard's base. Historical records reference this church as early as 1400, when it was known as Sancta Maria de Marcenasco, tying the site to one of the oldest place names in the Barolo production zone. The Oddero family established a deep historical connection to this site, using it as a core production area for generations. The modern era of single-vineyard Barolo from this cru began in 1976, when Alessandria Silvio released the first dedicated Bricco Chiesa bottling.

• Named for the Church of Santa Maria della Neve at the vineyard's base
• The church was recorded as Sancta Maria de Marcenasco in 1400
• Poderi Oddero has historic roots in this vineyard
• Alessandria Silvio produced the first single-vineyard bottling in 1976

Bricco Chiesa produces Barolo in the classic La Morra idiom: aromatic, perfumed, and notably approachable compared to wines from Barolo's eastern communes such as Serralunga d'Alba or Castiglione Falletto. The Tortonian marl soils yield Nebbiolo with silky tannins, lower structural tension, and an emphasis on red fruit, dried rose petals, anise, and dried flowers. These wines tend to open earlier than their more tannic counterparts from Serralunga and can reward drinking within a decade of vintage, though they reward cellaring as well. The combination of south-facing elevation, fine-textured soils, and the moderating morning mists of the Santa Maria fraction gives Bricco Chiesa a distinctive aromatic precision within the La Morra style.

Four producers work with fruit from this small MGA. Poderi Oddero represents the longest historical connection to the site and is among the most recognized names in Barolo. Alessandria Silvio holds the distinction of having produced the first single-vineyard bottling from Bricco Chiesa in 1976. Renzo Seghesio and Francone round out the roster of growers and producers with holdings in this 2.56-hectare cru.

• Poderi Oddero: historic family connection to Bricco Chiesa
• Alessandria Silvio: first single-vineyard bottling in 1976
• Renzo Seghesio and Francone also produce wine from this MGA