Like most 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 (and nowt to do with Tolkien), this area is known locally as Terra di Mezzo (middle earth). The Nebbiolo vines vary in age from 15 to 60 years, and the Roccas mature this wine for 12 months in large Austrian and German oak casks.
Not only does Rocca’s Nebbiolo d’Alba perennially offer outstanding depth and interest for the money, but this ‘baby Barbaresco’ also gives us a preview of what to expect from the Barbaresco to be released next year (a very significant one in this case!), while acting as the perfect, early-drinking understudy.