Giovanni Rosso
Summary
Giovanni Rosso is a family-owned 12-hectare estate in Serralunga d'Alba producing primarily Barolo from prestigious crus including Serra, Cerretta, and their crown jewel Vigna Rionda, where calcareous-clay soils at 300-400 meters elevation contribute to wines of exceptional structure. Davide Rosso's winemaking balances traditional methods with Burgundian-influenced precision, employing sustainable farming, hand harvesting, extended maceration, and aging in large Slavonian oak botti for approximately 30 months to highlight each vineyard's unique characteristics.
Heritage & Leadership
Giovanni Rosso's roots in Piedmont's Serralunga d'Alba date back to the early 1900s when the Rosso family began cultivating vineyards in this distinguished Barolo commune. For generations, the family operated as grape growers, selling their harvest to local producers while maintaining a small production for personal consumption. The estate as we know it today took shape in the late 1990s when Giovanni Rosso's son, Davide, returned home after completing his oenological studies and working at wineries in Burgundy.
Davide Rosso officially took the helm in 2001, transforming the family business from primarily grape growing to estate bottling. Under his direction, Giovanni Rosso transitioned from selling most of their harvest to producing wines that express the distinct terroirs of Serralunga d'Alba. Davide's Burgundian experience significantly influenced his approach to vineyard management and winemaking, particularly his focus on single-vineyard expressions. The winery's headquarters and cellars are located in Baudana, a small hamlet within the Serralunga d'Alba commune.
Vineyards & Wines
Giovanni Rosso manages approximately 12 hectares of vineyards, all situated within Serralunga d'Alba. Their holdings include parcels in several prestigious crus: Serra, Cerretta, La Sera, Broglio, Damiano, and most notably, Vigna Rionda, often considered one of Barolo's grand cru sites. The Vigna Rionda parcel, acquired in 2011, represents a significant milestone for the estate, as this south-southwest facing vineyard is known for producing wines of remarkable structure and aging potential.
The estate's vineyards sit at elevations between 300 and 400 meters above sea level, with predominantly calcareous-clay soils typical of Serralunga d'Alba. These soils, combined with the area's microclimate, create ideal conditions for Nebbiolo, which comprises the majority of their plantings. The estate also cultivates smaller amounts of Barbera and Dolcetto. The vineyard management focuses on low yields to ensure concentration and quality, with many vines averaging 30-45 years of age.
The winery produces a range of wines including Barolo DOCG, single-vineyard Barolos from Cerretta, Serra, and Vigna Rionda, as well as Langhe Nebbiolo DOC, Barbera d'Alba DOC, and Dolcetto d'Alba DOC. In 2016, Davide expanded the estate's portfolio by acquiring vineyards in Etna, Sicily, where he now produces wines from indigenous varieties Nerello Mascalese and Carricante.
Philosophy & Practice
Giovanni Rosso's winemaking philosophy balances traditional methods with modern precision. In the vineyards, Davide employs sustainable farming practices, avoiding chemical herbicides and focusing on natural soil management. Harvest is conducted entirely by hand, with careful selection of grapes both in the vineyard and at the sorting table.
For Barolo production, fermentation occurs in temperature-controlled stainless steel tanks, with maceration periods typically lasting 20-30 days depending on the vintage and vineyard. Davide favors gentle extraction methods to preserve the elegance of Nebbiolo while still capturing its structural components. After fermentation, the Barolos age in large Slavonian oak casks (botti) ranging from 25 to 35 hectoliters for approximately 30 months, followed by additional bottle aging before release.
The winemaking approach varies slightly for each vineyard parcel, acknowledging the distinct characteristics of each terroir. For instance, the Vigna Rionda Barolo sees slightly longer maceration to harness its powerful tannins, while the Serra might receive more delicate handling to preserve its aromatic qualities. Throughout the entire process, Davide's goal remains consistent: to create transparent expressions of Serralunga d'Alba's diverse terroirs with minimal intervention in both vineyard and cellar.