Ciocchini-Loschetto

Ciocchini-Loschetto stretches across the western side of the Novello commune, one of the eleven communes permitted to produce Barolo DOCG. The MGA covers the entire slope on this western face, encompassing both vineyard and non-vineyard landscape with significant biodiversity. Of the approximately 50 hectares within the delimited zone, roughly 40% are planted to vine. The site sits within a landscape shaped by the interplay of hillside agriculture and natural vegetation, giving the vineyard a distinctly rural character.

• Parent commune: Novello, within the Barolo DOCG zone
• Total area: approximately 50 hectares, 40% under vine
• Covers the full western slope of the Novello hillside
• One of seven officially delimited MGAs in Novello

The soils of Ciocchini-Loschetto belong to the Sant'Agata Fossil Marls formation, the same geological group found across much of the Barolo zone's western communities. In this MGA, the soils tend toward a deeper, more evolved profile with gentler slopes compared to some of the steeper, more erosion-prone sites nearby. These deeper marl-rich soils retain moisture well and support steady vine development, contributing to wines with structural density and the capacity to age gracefully over time.

• Soils: Sant'Agata Fossil Marls, deeper and more evolved than hillier neighboring sites
• Gentler slope gradients allow for good soil development and water retention
• West and southwest aspect provides afternoon warmth for ripening Nebbiolo
• Marl-dominant soils typical of Novello's cooler, western-facing terroirs

Novello's position in the southern Langhe brings a continental climate with cool temperatures, particularly during the growing season's critical ripening period. Ciocchini-Loschetto benefits from persistent breezes funneled down from the Alps, which reduce disease pressure and help maintain aromatic freshness in the grapes. Proximity to the Tanaro River valley further moderates temperatures, keeping the site cooler than some of the more sheltered, south-facing MGAs elsewhere in the Barolo zone. This cooler microclimate is a defining factor in the wine's character, favoring finesse over sheer power.

• Continental climate with cool, breezy conditions during the growing season
• Alpine winds reduce humidity and disease pressure
• Tanaro River valley proximity moderates temperatures
• Cooler terroir promotes finesse and longevity rather than opulence

The MGA system for Barolo was formally established in 2010, giving official recognition to individual vineyard districts within the appellation's eleven communes. Ciocchini-Loschetto was among the MGAs delimited at that time, providing producers with the ability to label wines with this specific geographical mention on the bottle. The site's name has historical roots in the local landscape of Novello, and its official delimitation formalized what growers in the area had long understood: that this western slope produces wines with a distinct identity tied to its soils, aspect, and climate.

• MGA system officially established in 2010 across the Barolo DOCG
• Ciocchini-Loschetto was delimited as part of the original 2010 classification
• Producers can indicate the MGA on labels when wine is sourced exclusively from this zone
• The site name reflects historical local nomenclature from the Novello commune

As with all Barolo MGAs, only Nebbiolo is grown within Ciocchini-Loschetto for wines bearing the Barolo DOCG designation. The wines produced here are full-bodied reds characterized by fruity and spicy aromatics alongside well-structured tannins, a hallmark of Nebbiolo grown in cooler Novello terroir. The style leans toward finesse and longevity rather than immediate accessibility. Azienda Agricola Stra is among the notable producers working with fruit from this MGA, bringing focused attention to this less widely discussed but geologically significant site.

• Sole permitted variety: Nebbiolo for Barolo DOCG production
• Wine style: full-bodied, fruity and spicy aromatics, structured tannins
• Character defined by finesse and aging potential
• Notable producer: Azienda Agricola Stra