San Giacomo

San Giacomo sits within the commune of La Morra in Barolo DOCG, Piedmont, in the hamlet of Rivalta. The vineyard faces east at an elevation of 400 metres, placing it among the higher-altitude MGAs in the appellation. This elevation brings a Continental Alpine climate influence that tempers the warmth typical of La Morra, extending the growing season and helping to preserve aromatic freshness in the fruit.

• Commune: La Morra, within Barolo DOCG
• Hamlet: Rivalta
• Elevation: 400 metres; Aspect: East-facing
• Climate: Continental Alpine influence with cooler growing conditions

The soils of San Giacomo are clay-limestone of medium consistency, with a tendency toward clay. This soil profile is characteristic of the La Morra zone and contributes to the soft, approachable tannin structure and aromatic generosity for which La Morra Barolos are celebrated. The clay component retains moisture well, supporting vine health through drier periods, while the limestone fraction provides the mineral backbone that gives structure to the wines. Only Nebbiolo is grown here, as required under Barolo DOCG regulations.

• Clay-limestone soils of medium consistency, tending toward clay
• Clay component aids moisture retention and supports vine health
• Limestone provides mineral structure characteristic of the zone
• Nebbiolo is the sole permitted variety under Barolo DOCG

The name San Giacomo derives from a church of San Giacomo that stood in Rivalta during the 15th century. This kind of ecclesiastical naming is common across Piedmont's vine landscapes, where churches, chapels, and monasteries historically organized rural communities and often gave their names to surrounding agricultural land. The Stroppiana winery, established in 1962, has cultivated historic vineyards within San Giacomo and remains the most notable producer associated with the MGA today.

• Named after a 15th-century church of San Giacomo in the hamlet of Rivalta
• Ecclesiastical place names are a recurring pattern across Piedmont's vineyard map
• Stroppiana winery has farmed here since its founding in 1962
• Also known by the alternate designation Vigna San Giacomo

San Giacomo produces Barolo that expresses the hallmark character of La Morra: elegant, refined, and aromatic, with soft tannins relative to the more structured MGAs of Serralunga d'Alba or Castiglione Falletto. Floral notes, particularly violet and rose, are prominent, alongside red fruit, spice, and the tar and roses signature of Nebbiolo. The cooler elevation of this site adds a layer of freshness and aromatic precision that distinguishes San Giacomo from lower-lying La Morra vineyards. These wines reward medium-term cellaring but are generally more approachable earlier than their counterparts from the eastern communes.