Gattera
gat-TEH-ra
A La Morra MGA where Tortonian and Helvetian soils converge, producing Barolo of rare balance between elegance and structure.
Gattera is a 30-hectare Barolo MGA in La Morra, Piedmont, known for producing wines of uncommon balance and spicy intensity. Sitting at 240-250 metres on southeast-to-southwest facing slopes, the vineyard sits at the boundary of two distinct soil formations. The result is a Barolo that bridges La Morra elegance with Castiglione Falletto-like structure.
- MGA (Menzione Geografica Aggiuntiva) within Barolo DOCG, commune of La Morra
- Total area: 30 hectares; individual producer plots range from 0.5 to 3.5 hectares
- Elevation: 240-250 metres above sea level
- Aspect: southeast to southwest facing
- Soils: Tortonian clay-sand-limestone meeting Helvetian brown marls, with magnesium oxides and manganese
- 100% Nebbiolo planted; historically part of the Annunziata subzone
- Named after the farmstead overlooking the vineyard, distinguished by a famous cedar of Lebanon
Location and Vineyard
Gattera lies within the commune of La Morra in the Barolo DOCG of Piedmont. The MGA covers 30 hectares in total, though individual producer holdings are far smaller, typically between 0.5 and 3.5 hectares. Positioned at 240-250 metres above sea level with a broad southeast-to-southwest aspect, the vineyard enjoys generous sun exposure through the growing season, supporting reliable Nebbiolo ripeness. The site sits near the border with Castiglione Falletto, a geographic detail that has a tangible influence on wine character.
- Commune: La Morra, Barolo DOCG
- Elevation: 240-250 metres above sea level
- Aspect: southeast to southwest
- Individual plots: 0.5-3.5 hectares
Soils and Geology
One of Gattera's defining characteristics is the convergence of two distinct soil types. Tortonian soils, composed of clay, sand, and limestone, meet Helvetian brown marls at this site. The resulting profile is clayish and slightly calcareous, enriched with magnesium oxides and manganese. This geological boundary plays a direct role in shaping wines that carry more structural weight than is typical of La Morra, where Tortonian soils generally predominate and produce softer, more immediately aromatic Barolo.
- Tortonian soils: clay, sand, and limestone
- Helvetian soils: brown marls
- Profile enriched with magnesium oxides and manganese
- Soil boundary contributes to added structure relative to La Morra norm
History and Name
The name Gattera derives from the farmstead that overlooks the vineyard, a property distinguished by a celebrated cedar of Lebanon. The site has a long viticultural history within the Annunziata subzone of La Morra, one of Barolo's most historically significant areas. Mauro Veglio, one of the MGA's most prominent producers, established his first vineyard here in the 1960s. When Italy's MGA system was formally introduced to Barolo, Gattera was codified as a distinct geographic mention, giving official recognition to a site that producers had long treated as exceptional.
- Named after a farmstead identifiable by its famous cedar of Lebanon
- Historically part of the Annunziata subzone, La Morra
- Mauro Veglio's family began working the site in the 1960s
- Now formally designated as an MGA under Barolo DOCG
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Gattera produces Barolo that sits at an interesting intersection of La Morra's typical elegance and the firmer structure more associated with Castiglione Falletto. The wines are mature and spicy with warmth and intensity, yet retain the balance that La Morra is prized for. The influence of the Helvetian marls contributes tannin grip and longevity, while the Tortonian elements lend aromatic complexity and suppleness. Notable producers working the MGA include Mauro Veglio, Fratelli Revello, Cordero di Montezemolo, Cantina Bovio, and Oddero.
- Style: balanced and elegant with spicy, warm, and intense character
- More structured than typical La Morra Barolo due to proximity to Castiglione Falletto
- 100% Nebbiolo as required under Barolo DOCG
- Notable producers: Mauro Veglio, Fratelli Revello, Cordero di Montezemolo, Cantina Bovio, Oddero
Mature, spicy, and warmly intense Barolo with a structural backbone that exceeds the La Morra norm. Expect dried rose, tar, tobacco, and spice alongside firm but refined tannins and good length.
- Mauro Veglio Barolo Gattera$60-85Veglio's family has farmed Gattera since the 1960s, making this one of the MGA's most historically rooted expressions.Find →
- Fratelli Revello Barolo Gattera$55-75A benchmark Gattera bottling showing the spicy intensity and structural balance the MGA is known for.Find →
- Cordero di Montezemolo Barolo Gattera$65-90Historic La Morra producer offering a polished interpretation of Gattera's mature and warm character.Find →
- Gattera is an MGA within the commune of La Morra, Barolo DOCG, covering 30 hectares at 240-250 metres elevation.
- The soil profile features Tortonian soils meeting Helvetian brown marls, with magnesium oxides and manganese present.
- This soil boundary produces wines more structured than typical La Morra Barolo, reflecting influence from neighboring Castiglione Falletto.
- The site is historically associated with the Annunziata subzone and was named after the farmstead overlooking the vineyard.
- Key producers include Mauro Veglio, Fratelli Revello, Cordero di Montezemolo, Cantina Bovio, and Oddero.