Tasting Notes
Like the vast majority of the Rocca wines, the Nebbiolo d’Alba derives from a single site—a parcel between Barolo and Barbaresco in the westernmost section of the Seno d’Elvio subzone. Aptly, this area is known locally as Terra di Mezzo (middle earth). The Nebbiolo vines here vary in age from 15 to 60 years. The Roccas matured this release for 12 months in large Austrian and German Stockinger oak casks.
Not only does Rocca’s Nebbiolo d’Alba perennially offer outstanding depth and interest for the money, this ‘baby Barbaresco’ also gives us a preview of what to expect from their Barbaresco next year, while acting as the perfect, early-drinking understudy. Expect caressing texture flush with dried florals, red-fruited perfume and spice, all bound by supple tannins and bright acidity. - 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 Nebbiolo |
| Volume | 750ml |
| Country | Italy |
| Region | Piedmont |
| Sub Region | Alba |
| Winemaking Practices | Minimal Intervention |
| Vineyard Practices | Minimal Intervention |