Vignolo
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A tiny Castiglione Falletto MGA producing structured, mineral Barolo from vines planted as early as 1948.
Vignolo is a 1.96-hectare Barolo MGA in Castiglione Falletto, known for mineral-driven, full-bodied Nebbiolo. South and southwest-facing slopes over limestone-rich white marl deliver density and fine tannin structure. Cavallotto and Livia Fontana are the key producers working this small but historically significant cru.
- Barolo MGA (Menzione Geografica Aggiuntiva) in the commune of Castiglione Falletto
- Total vineyard area of just 1.96 hectares
- South and southwest-facing aspect on limestone-rich white marl soils
- Sits just below Cavallotto's Bricco Boschis estate at lower overall elevations
- Oldest vines date to 1948, with additional plantings from 1966
- Cavallotto produces a Barolo Riserva from certified organic fruit grown here
- Notable producers include Cavallotto and Livia Fontana
Location and Setting
Vignolo sits on the slopes of Castiglione Falletto, one of the eleven communes permitted within the Barolo DOCG. The vineyard lies just downhill from Cavallotto's celebrated Bricco Boschis holding, positioning it at lower overall elevations than the San Giuseppe vineyard within that estate. Its south and southwest-facing orientation ensures strong sun exposure throughout the growing season, a key factor in ripening Nebbiolo fully in Piedmont's continental, temperate climate.
Soils and Terroir
The soils at Vignolo are limestone-rich white marl, the classic Tortonian-era sedimentary geology found across much of Castiglione Falletto. These calcareous marls are associated with wines of notable mineral definition, structural density, and fine-grained tannins. The combination of well-drained marl soils and a warm, south-facing exposure creates conditions that favor concentration and aromatic complexity in Nebbiolo.
History and Vine Age
Vignolo has a documented planting history stretching back to 1948, with further vines established in 1966. This gives portions of the vineyard old-vine status well over half a century deep, contributing to the concentration and complexity characteristic of the site. Cavallotto, the dominant producer in and around Bricco Boschis, expanded its holdings to include Vignolo in recent decades and now farms the site organically. The MGA designation, formalized as part of Barolo's geographic classification system, gives Vignolo official recognition as a distinct cru within Castiglione Falletto.
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Two producers work the Vignolo vineyard: Cavallotto and Livia Fontana. Cavallotto is the most prominent, releasing a Barolo Riserva from Vignolo fruit grown under organic certification. Riserva status requires a minimum of 62 months aging before release, resulting in wines of considerable depth and development. Livia Fontana also draws from this cru, adding another perspective on what this compact site can express through Nebbiolo.
- Cavallotto produces Barolo Riserva from organically farmed Vignolo fruit
- Livia Fontana is the second notable producer working this MGA
- Old vines from 1948 and 1966 plantings contribute to wine concentration
- The site's small 1.96-hectare total area keeps production volumes limited
Full-bodied and structured with mineral definition at the core, Vignolo Barolo shows the density typical of Castiglione Falletto alongside fine tannins and good aromatic richness. Expect dried rose, tar, iron, red cherry, and earthy tobacco notes, with the limestone soils adding a precise, stony backbone.
- Vignolo is a Barolo MGA in Castiglione Falletto with just 1.96 hectares under vine
- Soils are limestone-rich white marl, characteristic of Castiglione Falletto's Tortonian geology
- South and southwest aspect; lower elevation than Cavallotto's San Giuseppe vineyard in Bricco Boschis
- Vines date to 1948 and 1966, giving old-vine status to significant portions of the site
- Cavallotto farms Vignolo organically and releases a Riserva; Livia Fontana is the second key producer