Rocche Massalupo
ROK-keh mas-sah-LOO-poh
A rare western-edge MGA in San Rocco Seno d'Elvio, producing Barbaresco of elegant refinement and mineral purity from ancient calcareous marl soils.
Rocche Massalupo is one of four MGAs within the Alba municipality, sitting on the western edge of the Barbaresco DOCG. The vineyard's Tortonian calcareous marl soils and maritime-moderated climate produce Nebbiolo of notable elegance and mineral precision. Manuel Marinacci is the benchmark producer, labeling the designation from the 2017 vintage onward.
- Classified as a Menzione Geografica Aggiuntiva (MGA) within Barbaresco DOCG
- Located in the San Rocco Seno d'Elvio commune, on the western edge of the appellation
- One of only four MGAs situated within the broader Alba municipality
- Soils are calcareous marl dating to the Tortonian epoch
- Maritime influence moderates temperatures, supporting freshness and acidity in the wines
- Manuel Marinacci farms approximately 1.5 hectares and has used the MGA designation since the 2017 vintage
- Sole grape variety permitted is Nebbiolo
Location and Setting
Rocche Massalupo sits on the western edge of the Barbaresco DOCG within the commune of San Rocco Seno d'Elvio, placing it among a small group of MGAs that fall within the broader Alba municipality. This western position gives the vineyard a distinct character relative to the more centrally located Barbaresco MGAs. The site benefits from maritime influence that moderates temperatures and preserves the natural acidity in the Nebbiolo fruit.
- Commune: San Rocco Seno d'Elvio
- Western edge of the Barbaresco DOCG zone
- One of four MGAs within the Alba municipality
- Maritime climate influence moderates diurnal temperatures
Soils and Viticulture
The soils at Rocche Massalupo are calcareous marl of Tortonian epoch origin, the same geological foundation that underpins much of the finest Barbaresco and Barolo terroir. This combination of calcium-rich limestone and clay provides excellent water retention while promoting deep root development. The mineral character of these ancient marine sediments expresses directly in the wines, contributing the bright acidity and stony precision that distinguish Rocche Massalupo Barbaresco from richer, more opulent neighboring sites.
- Calcareous marl soils of Tortonian epoch origin
- Mineral-driven soil composition supports bright acidity in finished wines
- Ancient marine sediment origin contributes stony, precise character
- Soil type shared with many of Langhe's benchmark Nebbiolo sites
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Open Wine Lookup →Producers and Recognition
Manuel Marinacci is the notable producer working within Rocche Massalupo, farming approximately 1.5 hectares of Nebbiolo. Marinacci began labeling his Barbaresco with the Rocche Massalupo MGA designation from the 2017 vintage, a move that highlights the growing importance of single-vineyard identification within Barbaresco. The wine also appears under the alternate designation Vigna Rocche Massalupo on some labels. The MGA system, formally codified in the Barbaresco regulations, allows producers to communicate site-specific origin with legal precision, and Rocche Massalupo represents a small but distinct voice within that framework.
- Manuel Marinacci is the primary documented producer in the MGA
- MGA designation used on labels from the 2017 vintage onward
- Alternate name Vigna Rocche Massalupo also appears on some labels
- Approximately 1.5 hectares under vine at Marinacci
Barbaresco from Rocche Massalupo shows an elegant, refined profile with red fruit flavors, bright acidity, and notable mineral purity. The tannins are polished rather than imposing, and the maritime-influenced freshness gives the wine a lifted, precise quality on the palate.
- Manuel Marinacci Barbaresco Rocche Massalupo$60-90The benchmark expression of this MGA, labeled from 2017, showcasing the site's mineral precision and refined tannins.Find →
- Rocche Massalupo is one of four MGAs within the Alba municipality in Barbaresco DOCG
- Located in the San Rocco Seno d'Elvio commune on the western edge of the appellation
- Soils are Tortonian calcareous marl, the dominant soil type across the Langhe's top Nebbiolo sites
- Manuel Marinacci first used the MGA designation on the 2017 vintage
- Maritime influence is a key climate modifier, preserving acidity and freshness in the Nebbiolo