Coste di Rose

Coste di Rose sits within the commune of Barolo, geographically positioned between Cannubi to the south and Bussia to the north, two of the appellation's most historically revered sites. The vineyard occupies east to southeast-facing slopes between 310 and 380 meters above sea level, giving it a light exposure profile distinct from Barolo's more southerly-oriented sites. A forest rising above the upper boundary moderates temperatures and contributes to the cooler mesoclimate that shapes the wines' freshness and aromatics.

• Commune of Barolo, Barolo DOCG, Piedmont, Italy
• Elevation range of 310 to 380 meters above sea level
• East and southeast aspect for measured morning light exposure
• Forest above the vineyard creates a cooler growing environment

The defining geological feature of Coste di Rose is its Arenaria di Diano, a Tortonian-era sandstone that sets it apart from the Helvetian marl-dominant soils found at many of Barolo's other top sites. This sandstone is composed of quartz sand, very fine silt, and moderate amounts of limestone. The most striking expression of this geology is a five-meter dune of nearly pure Arenarie di Diano sandstone at the top of the vineyard, a formation that concentrates the lighter, more friable soil characteristics that produce Nebbiolo of notable delicacy and aromatic lift.

• Arenaria di Diano (Tortonian sandstone) is the primary soil type
• Composed of quartz sand, very fine silt, and moderate limestone
• A five-meter pure sandstone dune marks the vineyard's upper boundary
• Sandy soils promote finesse and floral expression over power and extraction

Coste di Rose produces Barolo that leans toward elegance rather than muscle. The Tortonian sandstone soils yield Nebbiolo with silky tannins, lifted acidity, and a pronounced floral aromatic profile built around rose petals, dried cherry, fresh mint, and sweet spices. These wines are accessible at a younger age than many Barolo bottlings yet carry the structure to develop meaningfully with cellar time. The combination of cooler temperatures from the forest above and the well-draining sandy soils makes this one of Barolo's more approachable but still serious MGAs.

• Aromatics dominated by rose petal, cherry, mint, and sweet spice
• Silky, fine-grained tannins typical of sandy Tortonian soils
• More approachable in youth than Helvetian-based Barolos
• Age-worthy structure beneath the floral, elegant surface

G.D. Vajra brought Coste di Rose to wider attention with the inaugural release of their single-vineyard Barolo from the site in 2015. The family farms 1.5 hectares here and has become the benchmark producer for understanding what this MGA can achieve. Marchesi di Barolo and Bric Cenciurio also hold holdings in the MGA. The vineyard's position between Cannubi and Bussia is not incidental; it places Coste di Rose in direct comparison with two of Barolo's most storied sites, and the sandstone-driven style offers a clear contrast to both.