Regions

San Rocco

san ROK-ko

A tiny, historically rooted MGA on Serralunga d'Alba's northern flank, named for the plague-era saint who watched over the vines.

San Rocco is a 2.1-hectare Barolo MGA in Serralunga d'Alba, planted entirely to Nebbiolo on south-facing clay and limestone soils. The vineyard takes its name from a church dedicated to San Rocco, a saint invoked during the plague of around 1630. Azelia (Luigi Scavino) is the notable producer working this small but historically significant site.

Location and Setting

San Rocco sits on the northern side of Serralunga d'Alba, with steep slopes opening toward the neighboring MGA of Cerretta. At 320 meters above sea level, the vineyard benefits from a protected microclimate that moderates what can otherwise be a demanding growing environment. The south to south-southwest aspect ensures strong sun exposure across the growing season, a key factor in ripening Nebbiolo fully in this compact 2.1-hectare parcel.

Key Facts

Classified as a Barolo MGA (Menzione Geografica Aggiuntiva) within Serralunga d'Alba
Total vineyard area: 2.1 hectares
Elevation: 320 meters above sea level
Aspect: south to south-southwest facing
Soils: clayey and calcareous (clay and limestone)
Sole grape variety: Nebbiolo
Named after a church dedicated to San Rocco, patron protector during the plague period (c. 1630)

Soils and Wine Character

The soils at San Rocco are clayey and calcareous, combining clay and limestone in a profile typical of Serralunga d'Alba's Helvetian-era geology. This combination favors structured, mineral-driven Barolo with pronounced tannins. Wines from this site carry characteristic aromas of cherry, plum, spice, licorice, and tar, with the power and austerity associated with Serralunga d'Alba as a commune.

Clay and limestone soils drive structure and mineral tension
South to south-southwest aspect maximizes Nebbiolo ripening
Protected microclimate adds consistency across vintages
Wines reflect classic Serralunga austerity and longevity

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Flavor Profile

Powerful and austere Barolo with prominent tannins and mineral backbone. Aromas of cherry, plum, spice, licorice, and tar are characteristic, reflecting both the clay-limestone soils and the demanding Serralunga d'Alba terroir.

Food Pairings

Braised beef short ribs or osso buco after extended cellaringTruffle-based risotto or tagliatelleAged Parmigiano-Reggiano or Castelmagno cheeseRoasted lamb with rosemary and garlicWild boar ragu with fresh pappardelle

Wines to Try

Azelia Barolo San Rocco$80-120
The only notable producer at this MGA, Azelia delivers classic Serralunga structure and minerality from this 2.1-hectare site.
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How to Say It

San Roccosan ROK-ko

Serralunga d'Albasair-ah-LOON-gah DAL-bah

Menzione Geografica Aggiuntivamen-TSYO-neh jeh-oh-GRAF-ee-kah ahd-jun-TEE-vah

Exam Study NotesWSET / CMS

San Rocco is classified as a Barolo MGA, part of Serralunga d'Alba commune
Area is 2.1 hectares at 320 m elevation with south to south-southwest aspect
Soils are clay and limestone (Helvetian origin typical of Serralunga d'Alba)
The vineyard name derives from a church dedicated to San Rocco, associated with plague-era protection around 1630
Azelia (Luigi Scavino) is the notable producer associated with this MGA

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