San Lorenzo
SAN lo-REN-zo
A northwest-facing MGA on the Cannubi hill, producing elegant Barolo with Tortonian soils and refined structure.
San Lorenzo is a Barolo MGA situated on the northwest-facing slope of the famous Cannubi hill in Piedmont. Its Tortonian soils of sand, clay, and limestone yield Nebbiolo wines noted for elegance over raw power. Producers such as Bartolo Mascarello, Giuseppe Rinaldi, and Marchesi di Barolo have long recognized its quality.
- Barolo MGA (Menzione Geografica Aggiuntiva) within the Barolo DOCG
- Located on the northwest-facing side of the Cannubi hill
- Soils are Tortonian in origin, composed of sand, clay, and limestone
- Sole grape permitted is Nebbiolo
- Wines are described as elegant and less structured than some other Barolo sites
- Notable producers include Bartolo Mascarello, Giuseppe Rinaldi, and Marchesi di Barolo
- Historically blended by Marchesi di Barolo with Cannubi and Rué in a single cuvée
Location and Terroir
San Lorenzo sits on the northwest-facing aspect of the Cannubi hill in the commune of Barolo. This orientation distinguishes it from other parcels within the broader Cannubi zone, which have varying exposures and slightly different microclimatic conditions. The soils are Tortonian, meaning they date to the Miocene epoch and consist of sand, clay, and limestone. This composition is shared with other prestigious MGAs in the western part of the Barolo zone and contributes to wines of finesse and aromatic lift rather than the denser, more tannic profile associated with the Helvetian soils found further east.
- Northwest-facing aspect on the Cannubi hill
- Tortonian soils with sand, clay, and limestone
- Located in the commune of Barolo
- Distinct from Cannubi San Lorenzo, which is a separate MGA
Wine Style
Nebbiolo from San Lorenzo produces Barolo that leans toward elegance and aromatic complexity rather than sheer structural power. The Tortonian soil profile, with its higher sand content relative to the clay-dominated Helvetian zones, encourages wines with perfumed, floral characteristics and a silkier tannin texture. This does not imply a lack of seriousness; rather, San Lorenzo Barolo rewards patience and develops considerable depth and length with cellaring. The northwest aspect moderates heat accumulation, which helps preserve freshness and acidity in the finished wine.
- Elegant style with less structural weight than some Barolo sites
- Aromatic and floral character typical of Tortonian-soil Nebbiolo
- Good natural acidity supported by the cooler northwest exposure
- Capable of significant development with bottle age
Drinking something from this region?
Look up any wine by name or label photo -- get tasting notes, food pairings, and a drinking window.
Open Wine Lookup →History and Notable Producers
San Lorenzo has a recognized place in the history of Barolo viticulture. Marchesi di Barolo, one of the oldest houses in the appellation, historically incorporated fruit from San Lorenzo alongside Cannubi and Rué in a single blended cuvée, a practice that underscores the site's reputation as a quality contributor rather than a minor addition. Bartolo Mascarello and Giuseppe Rinaldi, two of the most celebrated traditionalist producers in Barolo, are also associated with the MGA, lending it considerable prestige among collectors and students of the appellation alike.
- Marchesi di Barolo historically blended San Lorenzo with Cannubi and Rué
- Bartolo Mascarello is among the most iconic producers linked to this site
- Giuseppe Rinaldi also sources fruit from or is associated with San Lorenzo
- Recognition as an MGA formalizes a reputation built over many decades
Elegant and perfumed Nebbiolo with floral notes of rose and violet, red cherry and dried herbs, firm but fine-grained tannins, and fresh acidity. Less overtly muscular than Barolo from heavier clay soils, with a refined, lingering finish.
- Bartolo Mascarello Barolo$120-180An iconic traditional Barolo blending multiple MGAs including San Lorenzo, made by one of the appellation's legendary estates.Find →
- Giuseppe Rinaldi Barolo$100-160Classically structured Barolo from a celebrated traditionalist producer with ties to the San Lorenzo site.Find →
- Marchesi di Barolo Barolo Cannubi$50-70Historic producer that has long sourced from San Lorenzo alongside Cannubi and Rué in their flagship blend.Find →
- San Lorenzo is a Barolo MGA on the northwest-facing side of the Cannubi hill, not to be confused with the separate MGA Cannubi San Lorenzo.
- Soils are Tortonian, composed of sand, clay, and limestone, contributing to elegant rather than powerfully structured wines.
- Key producers include Bartolo Mascarello, Giuseppe Rinaldi, and Marchesi di Barolo.
- Marchesi di Barolo historically blended San Lorenzo with Cannubi and Rué in a single cuvée.
- The northwest aspect and sandy Tortonian soils distinguish San Lorenzo's style from the denser wines of Helvetian-soil MGAs.