BRICCOLINA, MY GARDEN

Logic will get you from A to B. Imagination will take you everywhere.
Albert Einstein

THE FIRST BAROLO VINEYARD GARDEN

I stand against any kind of intensive farming, so, I transformed my most important cru into a vineyard-garden entirely worked by hand. Between rows of Nebbiolo destined to become Barolo, I have placed hedges, trees, essences and medicinal plants. Every spring, vine leaves combine with the flowers, buddleias call out to the butterflies, the scent of lavender spread everywhere, and chirping birds come back atop the tree branches.

A lively soil

Briccolina stands on ancient lands belonging to the Lequio Formation, the oldest in Barolo. These are silty-loamy soils that are naturally rich in minerals, light in color and that present limestone. The soils of Briccolina exude vitality, they contain a good amount of organic matter and have excellent structure: this has been possible thanks to agricultural practices that respect the well-being of the vine and its environment.

A dry microclimate

In the area of Briccolina, there are various currents that contribute to the characteristic microclimate of this hill in Serralunga: in summer and early autumn, there is low ventilation of prevalently hot air during the day; but then, cooler and more lively air blows starting from the late afternoon. This makes the area of Serralunga, and consequently Briccolina, significantly drier and more ventilated than the rest of the Barolo denomination.

A balanced habitat

Here, the vine shows an interesting yet typical behavior of the great vineyards of the Langhe. Plant vigor is balanced thanks to the soil, which urges the plant to observe a constant behavior: its structured texture ensures slow water flow from the soil to the plant. The sloping position, low depth and warm exposure help keep the soil dry after the rain, leaving only the water needed by the vine, released in a slow and constant manner. The average altitude and good ventilation complete the picture: the vine shows a great balance.

What I believe in

Facts on Briccolina