If there was a classification of Grand Cru in Piedmont similar to the one in Burgundy, the Cannubi vineyard would be considered as one of the very few true Grand Crus that exist in the Barolo area. Cannubi is by far the most famous and renowned cru, with accolades that can be found as far back as historical documents dated in the 1700s. The oldest bottle in the Langhe is preserved in Bra by the Manzone family and bears the words "Cannubi 1752". This precious heirloom demonstrates the established reputation of the Cannubi vineyard even before the advent of the Barolo wine category. Cannubi predates even Barolo.
The prestigious quality of the grapes from this hill is determined by the unique composition of the soil. In fact, it is the only area in the whole Barolo district where Tortonian and Helvetian terrains from different geologic periods intersect. The sandy soil gives the final wine intense, fruit fragrances, such as cherry and plum that evolve into notes of tobacco, rose and violet. The alkalinity and high calcium levels in the soil give a final touch of delicate elegance. Despite the high percentage of sand, the presence of silt and clay with micro-elements of potassium and magnesium, confer a bright and intense color, as well as, an elevated polyphenolic concentration.
The presence of fine sand and the high clay and limestone content give the Nebbiolo grapes intended for the production of Barolo Cannubi unique characteristics, in particular refined elegance. These natural properties guarantee unique Barolo wines of exclusive quality and sophisticated style that Damilano has learned to interpret with passion and rigor. Damilano winery is renowned for its historic presence on the Cannubi hill with its 2 hectares2 belonging to the property, to which further 8 hectares rented by the winery have been added.
Cerequio is a beautiful amphitheatre of vines facing almost completely south. The climate is very good, protected from cold, northern winds by the tall La Morra hill. There is a group of abandoned houses at the centre of the property which retain a certain charm juxtaposed by the marvelous vineyards laid out in levels along Barolo, Castiglione Falletto and Monforte.
This magnificent vineyard of approximately 22 hectares has rather loose soil with a composition of predominantly silt and clay. It is a deep terrain which favors the production of structured, tannic wines that are more powerful than those from Brunate. Over time, the Barolo of Cerequio develops complex and rich aromas dominated by notes of liquorice, tar, dried rose and truffle.
The original and most common name that defines these La Morra vineyards is Brinate. This vineyard extends for 25 hectares, or 60 “giornate piedmontese”, and faces the south.
The lower sand levels in the soil result in aromas that are less intense, but feature notes of fruit and spices such as clove, cinnamon and nutmeg. As the wine matures, the fine structure of the terrain translates into hints of tobacco, rose and liquorice. And in great vintages, the nose has notes of truffle and tar. Alkalinity and elevated calcium levels give the final wine a touch of delicate elegance. In addition, the high levels of silt and clay with micro-elements of potassium and magnesium give a less intense and bright color, but offer up a remarkable polyphenolic concentration.
The Barolo of Brunate can be defined as a particularly balanced wine with an ample nose and an intense structure with good alcohol levels, as well as, generous tannins and body.
This important cru is comprised of approximately ten giornate (less than four hectares) of vineyards which are easily seen as you drive around the hairpin turns of the provincial road Alba-Narzole that descends from the Volta Castle.