Albino Rocca Masterclass

As has been the case now for some years, the wines are marked by striking translucence and tons of site character. The Barbarescos are fermented in tank and then aged in cask for about two years, the exceptions being the Cottá and the Angelo, which are vinified in oak uprights and see submerged cap maceration at the end of fermentation. Readers who have not tasted these wines recently owe it to themselves to do so, as the transformation here of late towards wines of purity and finesse is significant. ANTONIO GALLONI, Vinous.com

...there’s much to be said for the attractive willingness of the wines of Albino Rocca; the Barbaresco unmasks the essence of nebbiolo and presents the engaging, elegant and downright feminine side of this much revered grape. In fact, the entire range trades on the same principal; honest, open and delightfully balanced wines, no matter what grape varieties are involved. NICK STOCK, Gourmet Traveller Wine

We are delighted to welcome Daniela Rocca from brilliant Barbaresco estate, Albino Rocca to PWS to host a small dinner for us.

The wines of Albino Rocca are a huge favourite of the staff and customer of the Prince, noteable for their incredibly beautiful renderings of the main Langhe grape varieties, Dolcetto, Barbera and, in particular, Nebbiolo.

After the death of Angelo in 2012, his three daughters and son-in-law however continued to turn the wheels that which had already been set in motion already to return the winemaking to a more classical and pure style after a foray in modernism.

To say that these changes, and the daughters' steely resolve, have lifted the quality of the wines would be an undertstament. They have in fact, propelled the Rocca's among Barbareco's elite. The wines today are nothing short of brilliant melding classical winemaking, large casks, extended maceration etc with a modern sensibility highlighted by supple textures, expressive pure fruit and laserlike focus and balance. There's an openess and expressive nature to the wines that's utterly charming and often it belies the structure, weight and detail that marks these wines as top tier Barbaresci.