Codana
co-DAH-na
The tail-end of Monprivato: a tiny, geographically distinctive Castiglione Falletto MGA with Sant'Agata Fossili Marls soils.
Codana is a 0.38-hectare Barolo MGA in Castiglione Falletto, named for its position as the tail-end continuation of Monprivato. The vineyard sits at 270 meters with a south-west aspect on Sant'Agata Fossili Marls, producing structured Nebbiolo. Notable producers include Giuseppe Mascarello e Figlio and Francesco Rinaldi e Figli.
- Total area: 0.38 hectares, one of the smallest MGAs in Barolo
- Located in Castiglione Falletto, Barolo DOCG, Piedmont
- Elevation: 270 meters above sea level with south-west aspect
- Soils: silty and calcareous Sant'Agata Fossili Marls (blue-grey marine marl)
- Grapes grown: Nebbiolo and Barbera
- Name derives from 'coda,' Italian for tail, referencing its position at the end of Monprivato
- Unique among Barolo MGAs for extending over two opposite sides, though only one is suited to Nebbiolo
Location and Geography
Codana sits within the commune of Castiglione Falletto, one of the eleven communes permitted to produce Barolo DOCG. The vineyard covers just 0.38 hectares at 270 meters above sea level, with a south-west facing aspect that delivers adequate afternoon sun exposure to ripen Nebbiolo. Codana is positioned between the Vignolo and Monprivato vineyards, placing it in distinguished company on the Castiglione Falletto ridge.
- Commune: Castiglione Falletto
- Elevation: 270 meters above sea level
- Aspect: south-west facing
- Neighbors: Vignolo and Monprivato MGAs
Soils and Geology
The soils of Codana are composed of silty and calcareous blue-grey marl of marine origin, classified as Sant'Agata Fossili Marls. This soil type is characteristic of the Tortonian epoch and is widely recognized in Barolo for producing wines of structure, elegance, and aromatic complexity. The active limestone content contributes to the soil's influence on Nebbiolo's texture and longevity, supporting wines that reward extended cellaring.
- Soil type: Sant'Agata Fossili Marls
- Composition: silty, calcareous, blue-grey marine marl
- Active limestone content supports structure and aging potential
- Same soil formation found in other esteemed Castiglione Falletto vineyards
History and Name Origin
The name Codana derives directly from 'coda,' the Italian word for tail, reflecting the vineyard's role as the tail-end continuation of the celebrated Monprivato MGA. This etymology makes Codana one of the more evocatively named sites in the Barolo zone. The vineyard presents a geographical rarity in the Barolo MGA system: it extends over two opposite sides, yet only one side carries suitable conditions for quality Nebbiolo cultivation. Vinifications from Codana occurred sporadically through much of the 20th century, with documented early 1990s productions from Terre del Barolo and Mauro Mascarello representing significant early benchmarks for the site.
- Name from 'coda,' Italian for tail, describing its position relative to Monprivato
- Geographically unusual: extends across two opposite-facing sides
- Only one side is suited for Nebbiolo cultivation
- Early 1990s productions from Terre del Barolo and Mauro Mascarello are historically notable
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Open Wine Lookup →Notable Producers
Given Codana's minuscule size of 0.38 hectares, the number of producers working the site is understandably limited. Giuseppe Mascarello e Figlio is the most prominent name associated with the MGA, bringing the same meticulous, traditionalist approach to Codana as to their flagship Monprivato bottling. Francesco Rinaldi e Figli and Terre del Barolo also hold ties to the vineyard. The rarity of Codana-labeled Barolo makes these bottlings sought after among collectors focused on single-vineyard Piedmontese wines.
- Giuseppe Mascarello e Figlio: leading producer with traditionalist winemaking philosophy
- Francesco Rinaldi e Figli: established Barolo estate with Codana holdings
- Terre del Barolo: cooperative with documented early 1990s Codana vinifications
- Limited total production due to the vineyard's 0.38-hectare size
Barolo from Codana, grown on Sant'Agata Fossili Marls at 270 meters with a south-west aspect, delivers the structured, elegant character typical of Castiglione Falletto. Expect firm but refined tannins, vibrant acidity, and aromas of dried rose, tar, and red cherry, with earthy and mineral undertones from the calcareous marl soils. The wines are built for aging and develop complexity over a decade or more in bottle.
- Giuseppe Mascarello e Figlio Barolo Codana$80-120The definitive Codana bottling from the most prominent producer working this micro-site in Castiglione Falletto.Find →
- Francesco Rinaldi e Figli Barolo Codana$70-100A traditional-style Castiglione Falletto Barolo from a historic Langhe estate with vineyard holdings in Codana.Find →
- Terre del Barolo Barolo Codana$40-60The cooperative's documented early 1990s productions established Codana's single-vineyard reputation in Barolo.Find →
- Codana is a Barolo MGA in Castiglione Falletto, covering just 0.38 hectares at 270 meters with a south-west aspect
- The name derives from 'coda' (Italian for tail), as Codana is the tail-end extension of the Monprivato vineyard
- Soils are Sant'Agata Fossili Marls: silty, calcareous, blue-grey marine marl of Tortonian origin
- Geographically unique in Barolo: extends over two opposite sides, but only one side is suited to Nebbiolo
- Key producers include Giuseppe Mascarello e Figlio, Francesco Rinaldi e Figli, and Terre del Barolo