Rocca Rondinaria

Rocca Rondinaria is a small, family-run farm and winery located in the Alto Monferrato region of Piedmont, Italy. It is a prime example of an artisanal producer dedicated to natural and biodynamic winemaking.

History and Location

• Location: The winery is situated in the hills of Alto Monferrato, near the town of Rocca Grimalda, in the province of Alessandria. The vineyards are described as "heroic" due to their steep slopes.

• Founding: The estate was founded in 2004 by Lucesio and his wife Giovanna. They initially had a diverse farm, including raising animals and growing saffron, before shifting their focus to winemaking. They took over abandoned historic vineyards and, with the help of local winemakers, began their journey.

• Cellar: The winemaking operations are carried out in the historic cellars of the Rocca Grimalda castle, which provides a naturally stable temperature and humidity for the wine.

Winemaking Philosophy

Rocca Rondinaria's philosophy is rooted in a deep respect for the land and a commitment to biodynamic and organic practices.

• Organic and Biodynamic Farming: The vineyards have been organically certified since 2012 and biodynamically certified since 2013. They avoid chemical treatments and follow cosmic calendars for vineyard work.

• Minimal Intervention: In the cellar, they take a hands-off approach to allow the wine to express its terroir and vintage.

  • Spontaneous Fermentation: Fermentation is done with indigenous yeasts.

  • Traditional Methods: They even use traditional methods like foot-pressing for some of their wines, a nod to the past.

  • Minimal Additives: The use of sulfites and other additives is kept to a bare minimum.

• Long Aging: The wines are often aged for extended periods in various vessels, including stainless steel, barrels, and then for a long time in the bottle, to develop complexity and character.

Notable Wines

Rocca Rondinaria produces a small portfolio of wines that are authentic expressions of the Alto Monferrato terroir, focusing on traditional grapes.

• Gagà Monferrato Bianco DOC: A white wine made from the Timorasso grape, a native variety of the area that is gaining international recognition. They offer two versions: one aged entirely in steel to preserve freshness, and another with a period in barrique for added complexity.

• Gesusio Dolcetto di Ovada Superiore DOCG: A Dolcetto from a vineyard with vines over 60 years old. It's a classic example of a wine that is elegant and refined, showcasing the potential of this grape from a historic cru.

• Rosa Munda Barbera del Monferrato DOC: A red wine made from the Barbera grape, a staple of Piedmont. It's a biodynamic wine with a distinct character, and they also offer two versions, one aged in steel and one in large barrels.

• Sibrà Vino Rosso: A red wine aged for an extended period in tonneaux and barriques. It's known for its complexity, with spicy notes and a pleasant acidity.