Torriglione

Torriglione sits within the ancient hamlet (borgata) of the same name in the commune of La Morra, one of the most celebrated villages within the Barolo DOCG. The vineyard occupies a steep slope ranging from 250 to 270 meters above sea level, with an orientation that shifts from east-facing to a full southern exposure. This combination of elevation, steepness, and aspect shapes every aspect of how Nebbiolo ripens here. Before the 2010 MGA system came into effect, Torriglione was considered part of the broader Rocche dell'Annunziata territory, and Roberto Voerzio famously blended fruit from both sites into a single bottling. The official MGA designation gave Torriglione its own distinct identity.

• Commune: La Morra, within the Barolo DOCG
• Elevation: 250-270 meters above sea level
• Aspect: east to full south; very steep gradient
• Formerly included within the Rocche dell'Annunziata territory

The soils at Torriglione are classic Tortonian-period calcareous marl, the blue-gray compact clay-limestone formations that define much of La Morra's vineyard character. The composition breaks down to approximately 40% limestone, 35% clay, and 25% sand. This relatively high limestone content encourages deep root penetration and contributes to the aromatic complexity and structural backbone seen in wines from the site. The climate is continental, with warm summers and cool, misty autumns typical of the Langhe hills. Elevation and wind exposure at Torriglione slow the ripening process relative to lower-lying sites, preserving acidity and contributing to the wine's firm tannic structure.

• Soil type: Tortonian calcareous marl (blue marl)
• Composition: 40% limestone, 35% clay, 25% sand
• Climate: continental with cool, misty autumns
• Wind exposure slows ripening, preserving acidity

Vineyards in Torriglione trace back to plantings made between 1952 and 1955 for the historic Gagliasso estate, giving the site decades of vine age before it gained official recognition. The MGA (Menzione Geografica Aggiuntiva) system, implemented with the 2010 vintage, formalized Torriglione as a standalone geographic designation within Barolo DOCG. Azienda Agricola Mario Gagliasso is the producer most closely identified with Torriglione, as the sole estate to bottle a Barolo labeled exclusively under this MGA name. Roberto Voerzio, who previously blended Torriglione fruit with his Rocche dell'Annunziata holdings, also has a presence here, as does Trediberri, which farms approximately 1.5 hectares within the site.

Barolo from Torriglione is described as more solid and concentrated than wines from neighboring Rocche dell'Annunziata. The combination of steep south-facing slopes, compact calcareous marl, and slower ripening conditions produces wines with robust structure and notable depth. Flavor descriptors include subtobacco, leather (cuoio), licorice (liquirizia), red currant, strawberry, cherry, ginger, cedar, and mushroom. The Tortonian soils contribute a minerally backbone and fine-grained tannins that underpin the wine's considerable concentration. Nebbiolo is the primary grape for Barolo production, though the site also hosts Barbera and Sauvignon Blanc plantings.