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On the Langhe hills in Piedmont, there is a vineyard producing high quality strong, elegant wines. Bruno Rocca‘ s winery, one of the most famous in the area, is now aiming at wine tourism
text and photos by Max Rella
Hills and vineyards in Barbaresco (Cuneo). In the background the Monviso massive
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Bruno Rocca, known producer from Barbaresco
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Barbaresco is a tiny village on the Langhe hills, overlooking the Tanaro valley, about 10 km from Alba (Cuneo). Its 600 inhabitants are all involved in activities connected with wine production. More than 110 wineries produce an important red wine, the Barbaresco Docg (Denomination of Controlled and Guaranteed Origin), from the vineyards of Barbaresco and the nearby towns of Neive and Treiso. It's a a full-bodied red wine, obtained from pure nebbiolo grapes and aged, at least, for three years. Bruno Rocca, aged 55, is one of the best interpreters of this Piedmontese noble wine. He is a farmer-producer and he has long been involved in the art of wine making. In 1978, he inherited the Rabajà farm estate from his father, and began to sell estate-bottled wine. His Barbaresco winery has got a 15-hectare vineyard: 5 hectares are in the heart of the Rabajà cru, with a south-western exposure, producing high quality, full-bodied wines, which age well.
Two wines produced by the cellar Bruno Rocca - Azienda agricola Rabajà: Barbaresco Rabajà wine and the Maria Adelaide wine
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The name Rabajà is used as an additional geographic indication. This indication system, recalling the French system of crus, is typical of the Langhe and distinguishes the famous Denominations of Controlled Origin, such as Barolo or Barbaresco. The additional geographic indication refers to the historical name of a single vineyard or lot, characterized by a particular geology of the soil, by its gradient and sunlight exposure. The wine producer can put the additional geographic indication, on the wine label, under the Docg or Denomination of Controlled and Guaranteed Origin.
Bruno Rocca produces, from his own grapes, 50 thousand bottles a year of Barbaresco, Dolcetto, Barbera, Langhe Rosso and Langhe Chardonnay. A new, more attractive winery, better equipped for wine tourism accomodation, is being built by Bruno Rocca, on the Rabajà hill. Info 0173.635112 www.brunorocca.it
Luisa Rocca, sales manager of the family company Azienda Rabajà - Bruno Rocca
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Bruno Rocca and his son Francesco. Azienda agricola Rabajà - Bruno Rocca
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