Pisapola
pee-za-POH-la
A south-facing Verduno cru delivering violet-scented, elegantly structured Barolo from calcareous limestone soils.
Pisapola is a Barolo MGA in the Verduno commune, planted with Nebbiolo on calcareous slimy limestone at 280-350 metres. The vineyard produces wines known for violet aromatics and refined spice character. Previously labeled as Vigna dei Pola through vintage 2006, it is one of Verduno's recognized crus.
- Barolo MGA (Menzione Geografica Aggiuntiva) in the Verduno commune
- Elevation ranges from 280 to 350 metres above sea level
- South and southeast-facing aspect maximises sun exposure
- Soils are calcareous slimy limestone, typical of Verduno's terroir
- Exclusively planted with Nebbiolo
- Formerly known as Vigna dei Pola until vintage 2006
- Notable producers include Matteo Ascheri, Edoardo Sobrino, and Fratelli Alessandria
Location and Classification
Pisapola sits within the Verduno commune in the northern reaches of the Barolo DOCG zone in Piedmont, Italy. As a recognised Menzione Geografica Aggiuntiva, it holds official cru status under the Barolo regulations, allowing producers to cite the vineyard name on labels. The MGA system, formalised in 2010, brought long-standing single-vineyard traditions into a structured appellation framework, and Pisapola is one of the crus that gives Verduno its distinct identity within the broader Barolo landscape.
- Located in Verduno, one of the 11 communes entitled to the Barolo DOCG
- MGA status formally recognises Pisapola as a distinct geographical unit
- Verduno is situated in the northern sector of the Barolo zone
Terroir and Vineyard Conditions
The vineyard lies between 280 and 350 metres elevation with a south to southeast orientation, providing strong sun exposure through the growing season. The soils are calcareous slimy limestone, a soil type associated with Verduno and parts of La Morra that tends to produce Barolo with a more perfumed, elegant profile rather than the tannic power seen from Serralunga or Castiglione Falletto. This combination of aspect, altitude, and soil composition shapes Pisapola's distinctive wine character.
- Elevation of 280-350 metres moderates ripening and preserves acidity
- South and southeast aspect ensures consistent sun exposure
- Calcareous slimy limestone soils encourage aromatic finesse and elegance
- Nebbiolo is the sole variety permitted under MGA regulations
History and Name
Pisapola carries a documented history within Verduno's viticultural tradition. Before vintage 2006, wines from this vineyard appeared on labels under the name Vigna dei Pola, reflecting older local naming conventions. The transition to Pisapola aligns with the broader effort to standardise MGA designations across the Barolo DOCG. This historical continuity confirms the site's long-standing reputation as a quality cru, with producers working the vineyard well before the MGA system formalised its status.
- Labeled as Vigna dei Pola from vintages prior to and including 2006
- Name changed to Pisapola to align with MGA standardisation
- Recognised as one of Verduno's established vineyard crus
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Open Wine Lookup →Wine Style and Notable Producers
Barolo from Pisapola expresses the elegant, perfumed style associated with Verduno, featuring violet aromatics alongside spice notes and the firm but refined tannins that Nebbiolo delivers from calcareous soils. The wine is full-bodied yet structured with finesse, making it approachable earlier than some of the more tannic expressions from the Serralunga side of the appellation. Three producers are closely identified with the vineyard: Matteo Ascheri, Edoardo Sobrino, and Fratelli Alessandria, each of which brings individual winemaking approaches to the same terroir.
- Matteo Ascheri is a benchmark producer for Pisapola
- Fratelli Alessandria is a long-established Verduno estate with MGA holdings
- Edoardo Sobrino adds further representation to the cru
- Violet, spice, and full body define the typical wine profile
Full-bodied with a refined, elegant structure. Dominant violet and rose petal aromatics, layered with spice, dried herbs, and the characteristic tar and roses of Nebbiolo. Calcareous limestone soils contribute to a perfumed, finesse-driven style with firm but polished tannins and bright acidity.
- Matteo Ascheri Barolo Pisapola$60-85Benchmark producer for this MGA; showcases violet aromatics and calcareous limestone elegance directly.Find →
- Fratelli Alessandria Barolo Pisapola$55-80Long-established Verduno estate; a reliable reference for the cru's refined, spice-driven style.Find →
- Edoardo Sobrino Barolo Pisapola$50-70A smaller-production bottling offering direct access to Pisapola terroir at a competitive price.Find →
- Pisapola is a Barolo MGA located in the Verduno commune of Piedmont
- Previously labeled as Vigna dei Pola through vintage 2006 before adopting the MGA name
- Soils are calcareous slimy limestone with a south and southeast aspect at 280-350 metres
- The wine style is full-bodied yet elegant with violet and spice character, typical of Verduno
- Key producers: Matteo Ascheri, Edoardo Sobrino, and Fratelli Alessandria