Let’s start our discussion of the subregions of Barolo with the commune in the northeastern corner, La Morra. These wines are known for being somewhat similar to Pinot Noir, and tend to taste softer, more perfumed, and more graceful than other Barolos. They are usually considered the best Barolos to drink without a significant amount of aging. The cru vineyards in La Morra include:
Arborina – Located on the side of a hill with lots of south and southeast sun exposure. The soil here is rich in clay, limestone, and fine sand. Barolos from Arborina tend to be fruity and fresh with a slightly spicy aftertaste.
Brunate – Considered one of the best vineyards in Barolo since ancient times, the wines of Brunate have a pronounced garnet-red color and their flavor has hints of balsamic and menthol.
Cerequio – The soil in Cerequio has lots of marl clay that is rich in magnesium and manganese, and the vineyard is located on a hill with southern and southwestern sun exposure. The resulting wine is very complex, with odors of minty eucalyptus complemented by lots of fine tannins on the tongue.
Gattera – Located on the sunny border between La Morra and Castiglione Falleto, the Gattera vineyards is where the clay and limestone Tortonian soil mixes with the compact marl Helvetian soil. The wine produced here is spicy and intense.
Giachini – The calcareous clay soil of Giachini leads to wines that are rich in forest berry and peppery flavors.
Marcenasco – One of the most ancient vineyards in the Barolo region (dating back as far as the 12th century), Marcenasco grapes produce wines that have strong licorice and tobacco flavors. These Barolos are particularly great for pairing with flavorful gamey meats.
Rocche dell’Annunziata – Often considered the most important cru in the La Morra area, Rocche dell’Annunziata possesses incredibly smooth blue marl soil. These wines are like a paradox: strong yet delicate, floral yet spicy. Barolos from Rocche dell’Annunziata can be very hard to find, and even when you do find the good vintages tend to cost quite a bit.
The town of La Morra is well worth a visit, especially since it offers one of the most beautiful panoramas of the vineyards of the Langhe. In the main plaza of the city, there are arrows pointing in the distance to each town in the Barolo region; it’s a great way for first time visitors to find their bearings. There’s also a bell tower in the center of town that visitors can climb up to enjoy views of picturesque red roofs and rolling green valleys.
