La Morra

Rivette

Rivette is one of the officially designated Menzioni Geografiche Aggiuntive (MGA) in the commune of Serralunga d'Alba, part of the Barolo DOCG in Piedmont's Langhe hills. The MGA system, introduced in 2010 within the rules of the Barolo DOCG, formalized what had long been an informal recognition of individual vineyard sites throughout the denomination. While Rivette does not occupy the same commanding position in historical literature as Serralunga's most celebrated sites (Vigna Rionda, Falletto, and Francia) it nonetheless represents a legitimate expression of this commune's distinctive terroir.

MGA
Map of Rivette
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Introduction

Serralunga d'Alba is one of Barolo's eleven communes, in the eastern part of the zone. Its vineyards, on the eastern side of the Barolo zone, are known for firm, structured, long-lived wines.

Terroir

The vineyards of Serralunga d'Alba, including Rivette, are situated on the eastern side of the Alba-Barolo road, which runs through the valley floor and serves as a convenient geological dividing line within the denomination. This geographic distinction is significant: the soils west of this divide differ meaningfully from those to the east, and these differences manifest clearly in the resulting wines.

Serralunga d'Alba's terroir is defined by the older, compact Serravallian (Helvetian) soils, calcareous clay and marl with a higher proportion of compressed sandstone, which are generally less fertile and more austere in character than the Tortonian marls of the western communes.

The compact calcareous clay composition of Serralunga d'Alba has profound implications for viticulture and wine style. This characteristic influences not only vine vigor but also the ripening patterns of Nebbiolo, the notoriously late-ripening variety that forms the exclusive basis of Barolo production.

The manner in which roots navigate the complex layering of soil strata dictates the amount of water and nutrients the plant can access throughout the year. In Serralunga's Serravallian soils, this interaction tends to produce wines of firm structure and tannin.

Wine Characteristics

Wines from Serralunga d'Alba's Serravallian soils, including those from Rivette, generally express Barolo's fundamental characteristics (the haunting perfume, the high acidity, the firm tannins) but with a distinctive emphasis on power and structure. Depending on the specific location and exposure of the vineyard, these wines tend to be firmer and more austere than their counterparts from the western communes.

The aromatic profile typically showcases Nebbiolo's characteristic notes of rose petal, tar, and red fruits, but often with additional floral and spice complexity. The tannins are substantial and require considerable cellar time.

Like all traditionally produced Barolo, wines from Serralunga's MGAs benefit significantly from extended cellaring. The denomination's strict regulations require a minimum of 38 months of total aging before release, with at least 18 months in wood. However, the wines (particularly from top sites and producers) are structured and tannic in youth and ideally should be cellared for 10-15 years to fully resolve their tannins and develop the complex tertiary characteristics that define mature Barolo.

Context within Barolo's Classification

The introduction of the MGA system in 2010 represented a significant evolution in Barolo's wine culture. Historically, most top producers prided themselves on blending wines from multiple vineyards, searching for greater complexity through assemblage: a practice that continues among traditionalists such as Bartolo Mascarello. However, certain single vineyards had long commanded higher prices and greater prestige in both the written tradition (from Lorenzo Fantini in the late 19th century to modern authorities like Renato Ratti and Alessandro Masnaghetti) and in the oral tradition of the zone.

The MGA system formalized these distinctions without creating a hierarchical classification. The sub-zones include entire villages (such as La Morra itself), specified single vineyards, and in some cases, multiple vineyards consolidated into a single MGA designation. While the MGAs are identified as crus, they are not officially ranked, though the market and critical consensus have established clear quality hierarchies among them.

Within Serralunga d'Alba, Rivette takes its place among the commune's portfolio of recognized sites, contributing to the diversity of expression that makes this village such an important part of Barolo's identity. The maximum permitted yield of 56 hectoliters per hectare throughout the Barolo DOCG ensures that even lesser-known MGAs must meet the same stringent production standards as the most famous sites, maintaining the overall quality and integrity of the denomination.

This guide is part of the WineSaint Wine Region Guide collection.