Vicenziana
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A northernmost Barbaresco MGA with ancient Roman roots, producing elegant and perfumed Nebbiolo from limestone-rich marl soils.
Vicenziana is a small 2-hectare Barbaresco MGA yielding elegant, perfumed Nebbiolo from limestone-rich marl soils. Located in the northernmost part of Barbaresco within the Ovello cru, its name traces back to a Roman noble, Lolio Vicenziano, who once owned the ancient estate here.
- Classified as a Menzione Geografica Aggiuntiva (MGA) of Barbaresco DOCG
- Total vineyard area of approximately 2 hectares
- South-eastern aspect with limestone-rich marl soils
- Situated in the northernmost part of the Barbaresco commune within the Ovello cru
- Name derives from Villa Gentiana, an ancient Roman estate owned by a noble named Lolio Vicenziano
- Dialectal name Licenziana is a corruption of the official name Vicenziana
- Notable producer: Silvio Giamello
Location and Setting
Vicenziana sits at the northernmost edge of the Barbaresco commune, positioned within the broader Ovello cru. Its south-eastern aspect ensures good sun exposure across the growing season, while the surrounding terrain benefits from a slightly maritime climate that is warmer, drier, and milder compared to other parts of the appellation. At just 2 hectares, this is one of the smaller MGAs within Barbaresco DOCG.
- Northernmost MGA in the Barbaresco commune
- Located within the Ovello cru
- South-eastern aspect
- Slightly maritime, warmer and drier microclimate
Soils and Viticulture
The vineyard is planted exclusively to Nebbiolo, as required throughout Barbaresco DOCG, and grows in limestone-rich marl soils. This soil type is characteristic of the Langhe hills and provides good drainage while supplying the mineral complexity that defines the best Barbaresco wines. The combination of south-eastern exposure and marl substrate tends to favor wines with a refined, perfumed aromatic profile rather than the more structured, tannic expressions found in some other MGAs.
- Limestone-rich marl soils throughout
- Planted exclusively to Nebbiolo
- Well-drained subsoil structure
- Soil and aspect combination favors elegance over power
History and Name Origins
The name Vicenziana carries a direct link to antiquity. The site was once occupied by Villa Gentiana, an ancient Roman estate, and was owned by a Roman noble named Lolio Vicenziano. Over centuries, local dialect transformed the name into Licenziana, which remains in use today as an alternative reference to the same vineyard. This kind of dialectal corruption is common across the Langhe, where Latin and medieval place names have evolved through oral tradition. The official designation Vicenziana is the name recognized under the MGA classification system.
- Villa Gentiana was an ancient Roman estate on the site
- Roman noble Lolio Vicenziano gave the vineyard its name
- Dialectal form Licenziana is a corruption of Vicenziana
- MGA classification formalizes Vicenziana as the official name
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Open Wine Lookup →Wine Style and Producers
Vicenziana produces Nebbiolo in an elegant, perfumed, and feminine style. The combination of south-eastern exposure, limestone-rich marl soils, and the warmer microclimate lends the wines a lifted aromatic character with refined tannins. Silvio Giamello is the notable producer associated with this MGA, working with the vineyard's small parcel to craft Barbaresco that reflects the site's distinct character within the broader appellation.
- Elegant, perfumed, and feminine expression of Nebbiolo
- Lifted aromatics supported by mineral soil character
- Silvio Giamello is the primary noted producer
- Warm, dry microclimate contributes to aromatic refinement
Elegant and perfumed Nebbiolo with lifted floral aromatics, refined tannins, and mineral undertones from limestone-rich marl soils. The south-eastern aspect and warmer microclimate produce a feminine, aromatic style rather than a heavily structured one.
- Silvio Giamello Barbaresco Vicenziana$45-75The sole noted producer of this 2-hectare MGA, expressing its perfumed and elegant Nebbiolo character directly.Find →
- Vicenziana is an MGA within Barbaresco DOCG located in the northernmost part of the Barbaresco commune, within the Ovello cru.
- The name derives from Villa Gentiana, an ancient Roman estate owned by the noble Lolio Vicenziano.
- The dialectal name Licenziana is a corruption of the official name Vicenziana.
- Soils are limestone-rich marl with a south-eastern aspect; the microclimate is slightly maritime, warmer and drier than surrounding areas.
- The MGA covers approximately 2 hectares and is planted exclusively to Nebbiolo, producing an elegant, perfumed, and feminine wine style.