Bruno Rocca Langhe Nebbiolo DOC “Fralu” 2023

Bruno Rocca Langhe Nebbiolo DOC "Fralù" 2023 is a dry red wine produced exclusively from Nebbiolo grapes in the Langhe area of Piedmont, Italy. This expressive Langhe DOC bottling comes from younger vines of the historic Bruno Rocca estate, which apply their long-standing tradition in the celebrated Barbaresco terroir to craft accessible, elegant off-label Nebbiolo. The wine is vinified in stainless steel and subsequently aged for 8–12 months in French oak barriques, giving it both youthful energy and structural depth.

Notary documents from the 19th century attest to the presence of the Rocca family in the township of Barbaresco since 1834, the same year ancestor Francesco (1834-1894) was born. In 1864, Francesco drafted the prenuptial agreements with his future wife, Luigia Cheinasso. In the document, Francesco is defined as “a farmer born and living in Barbaresco”, the co-owner with his brother Giuseppe of “houses, sites, vineyards, and slopes” located within the township. According to later documents, our family’s activity revolved around a multi-purpose farm. Viniculture was an important part of the household finances alongside fields for foraging and raising livestock. In 1958, he moved to live in Rabaja near the gardens. In 1978, he releases the first wine under his own name and with his own label. Before that, the family gave their grapes to a cooperative that bottled their wines separately and marketed them under a separate brand. In 1990, the family began to expand and bought vineyards outside Barbaresco. Other styles began to be made, such as: Langhe Nebbiolo, Barbera d'Alba and d'Asti, Dolcetto.

On the nose, the wine reveals inviting aromas of raspberry and black cherry, complemented by subtle floral hints and a touch of spice. On the palate it is elegant and well balanced: juicy red berries glide over bright acidity, while silky tannins provide a refined structure. A mineral-edged undertone and a persistent finish bring out the distinct character of the Langhe terroir.

This wine pairs beautifully with classic dishes such as red meat ragù, roasted poultry or duck, mushroom risotto, and aged cheeses. Its freshness, acidity and tannic structure also make it an ideal companion to hearty meat stews and rustic pasta dishes.