San Giovanni
san jo-VAN-ni
A historic Monforte d'Alba cru delivering structured, aromatic Barolo with the hallmark power of its commune.
San Giovanni is a Barolo MGA in Monforte d'Alba, producing structured Nebbiolo from south-facing slopes at 300-400 metres. The vineyard sits on marl and sand over a clay-limestone base, a soil profile that contributes to firm tannins and strong aging potential. Gianfranco Alessandria and Broccardo are the key producers to know.
- Classified as a Barolo MGA (Menzione Geografica Aggiuntiva) within Monforte d'Alba
- One of 11 delimited MGAs within the Monforte d'Alba commune
- Elevation ranges from 300 to 400 metres above sea level
- Aspect is south and southeast, maximising sun exposure on Nebbiolo
- Soils are marl and sand over a clay-limestone base
- Notable producers include Gianfranco Alessandria and Broccardo
- The Broccardo family has a historic association with this vineyard
Location and Setting
San Giovanni sits within the commune of Monforte d'Alba, one of the five core townships of the Barolo DOCG in Piedmont. The MGA occupies slopes between 300 and 400 metres in elevation, with a south to southeast aspect that ensures reliable ripening of Nebbiolo even in cooler continental vintages. Monforte d'Alba is positioned in the southern and western reaches of the Barolo zone, and its vineyards are widely regarded as producing some of the appellation's most powerful and long-lived wines.
Soils and Climate
The soils of San Giovanni combine marl and sand over a clay-limestone base, a composition that shares broad similarities with other Monforte d'Alba MGAs while also introducing sandy elements that can encourage more aromatic expression in the wines. The climate is cool continental, typical of the Langhe hills, with warm summers and cold winters helping to preserve acidity in the grapes. This combination of soil texture and climate underpins the firm tannic structure and aging capacity that San Giovanni Barolo is known for.
History and Classification
San Giovanni is a historic vineyard with a long association with the Broccardo family, who remain one of its key producers today. Under the 2010 revision of the Barolo DOCG regulations, the appellation codified a system of MGAs, Menzioni Geografiche Aggiuntive, allowing producers to name specific vineyard sites on their labels. San Giovanni was recognised as one of Monforte d'Alba's 11 officially delimited MGAs, formalising what had long been understood as a distinct and high-quality growing site within the commune.
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Barolo from San Giovanni is full-bodied and structured, with firm tannins that demand cellaring time to fully integrate. The south and southeast aspect drives good phenolic ripeness in Nebbiolo, while the sandy component in the soils contributes to aromatic lift. Expect red and dried fruit, rose petal, tar, and earthy complexity on the nose, with a palate built for the long term. Both Gianfranco Alessandria and Broccardo produce wines that reflect the site's character, though individual winemaking choices, including oak regime and extraction methods, will influence the final expression.
Full-bodied with firm, grippy tannins and bright acidity. Aromas of dried cherry, rose, tar, and dried herbs, with earthy and mineral depth. Long aging potential allows secondary notes of leather, tobacco, and dried flowers to develop.
- San Giovanni is one of 11 MGAs in Monforte d'Alba, one of the five core Barolo communes
- Soils are marl and sand over clay-limestone, with the sandy fraction aiding aromatic expression
- Elevation of 300-400 metres and south/southeast aspect support consistent Nebbiolo ripening
- The MGA system was codified under the 2010 revision of Barolo DOCG regulations
- Key producers are Gianfranco Alessandria and Broccardo, the latter with historic ties to the site