Rocche dell'Annunziata

Rocche dell'Annunziata sits within the commune of La Morra in the Barolo DOCG, covering approximately 30 hectares across elevations of 240 to 385 meters. The vineyard faces southeast to south, maximizing sun exposure through the growing season. The soils are dominated by Marne di Sant'Agata, the calcareous blue marl that defines much of La Morra, combined with limestone-clay layers and crushed stone fragments known locally as 'rocche,' which give the site its name. Sandstone layers are also present, contributing further textural complexity to the soil profile. This combination of well-drained, mineral-rich soils and favorable aspect gives Rocche dell'Annunziata a terroir profile distinct even within La Morra.

• Marne di Sant'Agata (calcareous blue marl) is the dominant soil type, shared across much of La Morra
• The presence of crushed limestone rock, or 'rocche,' gives the site its name and contributes drainage
• Southeast-to-south aspect ensures consistent ripening of Nebbiolo
• Elevation range of 240 to 385 meters allows for cool nights that preserve acidity and aromatics

The territory of Rocche dell'Annunziata has been documented since 1194, when it was recorded as part of Marcenasco and associated with the Benedictine Abbey of San Martino in La Morra. Benedictine monks cultivated the land from the 12th century onward, establishing a viticultural tradition that persists today. The site gained recognition in the written record of Italian viticulture when Lorenzo Fantini, in his 1879 survey of Piedmontese wines, described it as a 'posizione sceltissima,' meaning a very desirable location. Nearly a century later, Renato Ratti, the La Morra producer and tireless advocate for Barolo's identity, placed Rocche dell'Annunziata in the 1st Category in his 1971 Carta del Barolo, a map that laid the intellectual groundwork for the modern MGA system. Today it stands as one of the most prestigious and sought-after MGAs in the appellation.

• Documented since 1194 as part of the Marcenasco territory
• Benedictine monks of the Abbey of San Martino cultivated the site from the 12th century
• Described as 'posizione sceltissima' by Lorenzo Fantini in 1879
• Classified 1st Category by Renato Ratti in his 1971 Carta del Barolo

Barolo from Rocche dell'Annunziata reflects the broader La Morra house style, shaped by the calcareous marl soils that favor earlier-developing, more aromatic expressions of Nebbiolo. Wines from this MGA are full-bodied with notably soft tannins relative to the Serralunga or Castiglione Falletto communes, showing concentrated fruit and an elegant, floral aromatic profile. Rose, violet, and dried cherry notes are typical, alongside earthy mineral undertones drawn from the limestone-rich subsoil. The combination of concentration and finesse makes these wines approachable earlier than many Barolos, while still rewarding extended cellaring.

Rocche dell'Annunziata attracts some of the most respected names in Barolo. Renato Ratti, whose family estate bears his name, produced benchmark wines here for decades. Roberto Voerzio, Lorenzo Accomasso, and Rocche Costamagna, whose estate takes its name directly from this vineyard, represent the full spectrum from traditional to modernist winemaking approaches. Paolo Scavino, Mauro Veglio, Andrea Oberto, Aurelio Settimo, Trediberri, Renato Corino, Franco Molino, and Mario Gagliasso all produce single-vineyard Barolo from this site, offering students and collectors a wide range of interpretations for comparison.

• Rocche Costamagna is named directly after the MGA and centers its identity on this site
• Roberto Voerzio and Lorenzo Accomasso represent highly regarded traditional and artisan approaches
• Renato Ratti helped codify the MGA system and produced influential wines here
• The large number of quality producers makes this MGA valuable for comparative tasting study