Rinaldi and Bricco Barone
Vineyards in the township of Monforte d'Alba
Variety cultivated:
Barbera and nebbiolo
Geological origins
Geological era:
Tertiary Piedmont Basin of the Miocene
Prevalent geological period:
Tortonian-Serravallian
Prevalent geological formation:
Lequio Formation, characterized by grey calcareous marl alternating with mostly consistent layers of sand. Its exposition and gradient have allowed the terrain to evolve towards a lighter color on the slopes where erosion was greater, and darker terrain where soil has accumulated.
Soil type and characteristics conferred to the wines
| Sand | 35% |
| Loam | 45% |
| Clay | 20% |
| Granulometric index | 0.53 |
| pH level | 8.0 |
The vineyards maintain a loamy-clay composition with an elevated sandy content. This allows for greater air and water flow. The soil is shallow, with marl (=tuff) emerging from the high erosion on the best-exposed slopes. Very calcareous. The granulometric index (ratio of sand / Loam + Clay) indicates a soil structure created from rough roots, always with a prevalence of loam and clay but with high amounts of sand, as well. The terrain is light in color, which gives wines made from nebbiolo and barbera cultivated in its soil elevated fruitiness, great structure, complexity, longevity, and very intense, persistent aromas.
Prevalent sun exposure of the slopes and average heights
| Height in meters asl | Min: 320 Max: 400 Average: 360 |
| Prevalent sun exposure | West / Southwest |
| Average gradient | 20% |
Average age of vines
Rinaldi: 48 years
Bricco Barone: 36 years
Density of vines
5.000 vines per hectare
Cultivation system
Guyot
Yield
Rinaldi: 75 quintals per hectare
Bricco Barone: 80 quintals per hectare
Vineyard surface area
Rinaldi: 3.20 hectares (7.90 acres)
Bricco Barone: 2.13 hectares (5.26 acres)
