Tasting Notes
Rosso di Rocca is 97% Nebbiolo with a smattering of Cabernet Franc. The Nebbiolo hails from a vineyard at Magliano Alfieri in the first hills of the Roero region. The vines here were planted in 1967 and 2002, and the parcel was purchased in 2016. The Cabernet Franc comes from 20-year-old estate vines in Barbaresco. Roero’s sandy soils gift a lighter, brighter, earlier-drinking wine than the Rocca Nebbiolo d’Alba—a Nebbiolo party in a glass.
The wine’s upbringing (solely in tank) and early bottling helps keep to this theme. It’s super-bright, perfumed and crackling with energy, with a swish of blood orange in front of savoury spices. Both succulent and structured, it’s an approachable and harmonious Nebbiolo with fresh acidity, powdery tannins and impressive fruit concentration. A fabulous introduction to the beautiful world of Piemonte Nebbiolo, and a superb value to boot. - Importer Note
It’s easy to forget that Nebbiolo, produced from great sites and mature vines can be a wickedly seductive wine to drink young. The late Angelo Rocca was a master at reminding us of this fact. His wines – and now those of this daughters – are plump, textural, seductive Barbarescos that are surprisingly forward yet clearly have the stuffing and powdery tannins to age. All the Rocca wines are from Estate vineyards and all are grown 100 percent within the boundaries of the Barbaresco region (even the Dolcetto, Barbera, Nebbiolo d'Alba and Moscato).
When Angelo Rocca tragically passed away in 2012 in a light plane accident, Barbaresco lost one of its most distinguished growers. It also lost a wonderful person and a deeply respected member of the Piemontese community. Rocca was operating at the peak of his powers and producing the most exciting, terroir-intense wines of his career. His three daughters (Daniela, Monica and Paola) along with Angelo’s cellarmaster (and son-in-law) Carlo have been determined to continue this legacy and in recent years, they have not missed a beat.
The Roccas efforts to continually improve the quality of all of their Estate’s wines, has resulted in some superb offerings over the last few vintages. All the wines are aged in large, neutral botti and remain contemporary in the sense that they are ripe, pure and meticulously made, but instead of any distracting new oak character you have solely that wonderful dark cherry, floral and savoury structured personality of Nebbiolo in all its Piemontese glory. Not only are Albino Rocca wines outstanding examples of Barbaresco, they are also very fairly priced. - Importer Note
Product Type | Wine Red Other Varietals & Blends |
Volume | 750ml |
Country | Italy |
Region | Piedmont |
Sub Region | Roero |
Winemaking Practices | Minimal Intervention |
Vineyard Practices | Minimal Intervention |