Bricco dell'Oriolo^®

In front of the little church of the Madonna dell’Oriolo there are two stones. Legend was it that a miraculous oil with power to heal human beings oozed from them. Until one day a farmer used the oil to cure his animals. They were cured, but the magic stones ceased to give their precious oil forever.

The Bricco dell’Oriolo represents, for Luigi, a maternal bond: it is the mother’s family, from Montelupo Albese, which owned this splendid vineyard in front of the small church. Single vineyard, south facing, unique location for a Dolcetto, at more than 600 meters of altitude: perfect ripening.

The commune of Montelupo Albese is outside the area of Barolo production therefore the best positions, south facing, are not used for Nebbiolo but for Dolcetto. This is the reason why Montelupo is one of the best areas of the entire region for Dolcetto. This particular full south exposure permits a ripening otherwise unreachable for this variety.
A small percentage of sand present in the soil further exalts the floral and fruity characters.

Thanks to deep roots, the 55 year old vines which Luigi has rigorously wanted to maintain, make the grapes ripen excellently also in unfavorable vintages.

Berries are more concentrated and produce a wine with spicy and mineral hints.