Azienda Agricola Ronchi

Azienda Agricola Ronchi has been in the Rocca family since the 1980s, and now it has passed onto its fourth generation. Under the guidance of Giancarlo Rocca, they are committed to the cultivation on the vines in harmony with nature. Based in the village of Barbaresco, their vineyards are ideally located in the appellation bordering the regions of Montestefano, Moccagatta and the village of Nieve. The vineyard is in the form of an amphitheatre and the south-easterly aspect means that the Nebbiolo capture excellent sunlight.

As the vines surround the family home and cellar, the distance that the grapes travel after harvest are minimal and in turn this means that Giancarlo can keep a constant eye on his vineyard. After harvest, a combination of traditional and experimental methods are used within the cellar. This is the case for both Ronchi’s white and red grapes, respectively Arneis and Nebbiolo. In a traditionalist vein that reflects his debt to his predecessors, Giancarlo uses Slovenian oak vats known as botti and French oak barrels to create (for instance) a Barbaresco of great elegance and complexity. Yet in a departure from tradition, Giancarlo has also introduced clay amphorae for the ageing of some crus. This experimentation has resulted in some truly fascinating wines that have a depth and texture that challenges perceptions on the wines of Langhe.