2023 Rocca, Bruno - Langhe Nebbiolo DOC Fralu (750ml)

The Rocca family has farmed in Barbaresco since 1834, according to notarial records, but it was Bruno Rocca who built the estate's modern reputation. He took over in 1978 after his father's death, having worked previously at Ferrero in Alba, and went on to establish himself as one of the finest producers in Barbaresco through his holdings on the prized Rabajà hill, purchased by the family in 1958. Bruno now runs the fifteen-hectare property alongside his children, Francesco and Luisa, for whom the Fralù bottling is named.

Fralù draws on younger vineyards planted on clay and limestone soils around Barbaresco, farmed sustainably and picked by hand once the grapes reach full ripeness. Fermentation happens spontaneously with indigenous yeasts in temperature-controlled steel tanks, with ten to fifteen days of skin contact to build color and structure while keeping the fruit lively. The wine then moves to second-hand French oak barrels for eight to twelve months, with a light hand on sulfites to preserve the site's character.

The glass shows bright ruby red with garnet edges, leading to a nose of strawberry, raspberry, and black cherry lifted by floral and spice notes. The palate is well balanced but shows the firm tannic backbone typical of young Nebbiolo. It suits roast duck, tagliatelle with meat ragù, or aged Toma cheese.