Winemaker Notes
Rocche dell’Annunziata is certainly one of the most sought-after Menzione Geografica of La Morra. It is a quite homogenous cru with exposure principally towards the southeast, located between La Morra and the frazione of Annunziata. One of the soil’s characteristics is the presence of stones (hence the name “Rocche,” which means rocks) that help the soil drain water. Rocche produces Barolo with soft tannins, concentrated wines with intensely fruity notes that are always well balanced and elegant.
Professional Ratings
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James Suckling
Quite classic with energetic prunes, dried cherries, dried flowers, tar and licorice, as well as subtle blood-orange vibrancy. Full-bodied, emphasizing superripe, elegant tannins that are extracted and powerful yet finely woven, all enhanced by refreshing acidity. Long bergamot aftertaste. Drink or hold.
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Vinous
The 2020 Barolo Riserva Rocche dell'Annunziata is a gorgeous wine that shows the new style here. Crushed flowers, cedar, sweet pipe tobacco, licorice and leather all meld together. This mid-weight, pliant La Morra Barolo is pure and total sensuality. The move towards greater freshness and a lighter hand with oak has paid off handsomely.
Responsible for some of the most elegant and age-worthy wines in the world, Nebbiolo, named for the ubiquitous autumnal fog (called nebbia in Italian), is the star variety of northern Italy’s Piedmont region. Grown throughout the area, as well as in the neighboring Valle d’Aosta and Valtellina, it reaches its highest potential in the Piedmontese villages of Barolo, Barbaresco and Roero. Outside of Italy, growers are still very much in the experimentation stage but some success has been achieved in parts of California. Somm Secret—If you’re new to Nebbiolo, start with a charming, wallet-friendly, early-drinking Langhe Nebbiolo or Nebbiolo d'Alba.
