Cannubi San Lorenzo

Cannubi San Lorenzo sits on the ridge capping the highest part of the Valletta area within the commune of Barolo, at 315 meters above sea level. The vineyard faces east to south-east, capturing morning sun while benefiting from the shelter of surrounding hills that protect against cold winds. Good ventilation at altitude helps maintain vine health and moderate growing temperatures. At just 2.5 hectares, it is the smallest of the five recognized sub-zones that make up the Cannubi hill complex.

• 315 meters elevation with east/south-east exposure
• Located on the ridge of the Valletta area within Barolo commune
• Well sheltered from cold winds by surrounding hills
• Smallest of the five Cannubi sub-zones

The soils at Cannubi San Lorenzo are defined by a sandy matrix overlying Marne di Sant'Agata Fossils, a calcareous clay marl formation with notably high sand content. This combination encourages good drainage, limits vigor in the Nebbiolo vine, and contributes to the site's signature fine-tannin profile. The continental climate is moderated by excellent hillside ventilation and protection from the coldest winds, creating a reliable ripening environment for Nebbiolo even in challenging vintages.

• Sandy topsoil matrix over calcareous clay marls (Marne di Sant'Agata Fossils)
• High sand content promotes drainage and fine tannin development
• Continental climate with good natural ventilation
• Surrounding hills provide shelter from cold air masses

Cannubi San Lorenzo is one of five sub-zones of the Cannubi hill, a site long considered among the greatest in all of Barolo. The MGA system, which formally designated single-vineyard zones across the Barolo DOCG, was developed in the early 2000s. However, the question of whether satellite sub-zones could legally carry the Cannubi name on labels became the subject of significant legal dispute. A ruling finalized between 2013 and 2016 confirmed that vineyards including Cannubi San Lorenzo, Cannubi Boschis, Cannubi Muscatel, and Cannubi Valletta could use the Cannubi name. Ceretto produced the first commercially labeled Cannubi San Lorenzo wine from the 2003 vintage, establishing the site as a distinct identity within the appellation.

• MGA designation formally established in the early 2000s zoning process
• Legal dispute over use of the Cannubi name resolved by 2016 ruling in favor of sub-zones
• Ceretto first to label the wine as Cannubi San Lorenzo, from the 2003 vintage
• One of five recognized sub-zones of Cannubi hill

Cannubi San Lorenzo produces Barolo with a reputation for complexity, elegance, and relatively open aromatic expression in youth, a character tied directly to the high-sand soils that soften tannin structure compared to the more clay-dominant sites elsewhere in Barolo. The wines show floral and perfumed qualities alongside the tar, rose, and dried fruit notes characteristic of Nebbiolo, and they carry excellent aging potential. The roster of producers working this small parcel is distinguished, including Ceretto, Camerano, Giuseppe Rinaldi, and Bartolo Mascarello.

• Ceretto: pioneered the labeled single-vineyard bottling from this MGA
• Giuseppe Rinaldi and Bartolo Mascarello: traditional-school producers with deep Barolo heritage
• Sandy soils contribute to fine tannins and early aromatic openness
• Full aging potential remains alongside the approachable early character