Fratelli Broccardo
Who: Filippo, Laura and Federica Broccardo
Where: Monforte d’Alba, Cuneo, Piedmont, Italy
What: Nebbiolo DOC, Barolo DOCG, Barbera DOC
How: estate-grown, SQNPI certification by Valoritalia
Total size: MEDIUM
The Wines
Il Giò-Pi Langhe Nebbiolo DOC 2022
I Tre Pais Barolo DOCG 2017, 2018, 2019
Bricco San Pietro Barolo DOCG 2018
Paiagallo Barolo DOCG 2018
Ravera Barolo DOCG 2018
Langhet Langhe Arneis 2023
Diecigradi Langhe Rosato 2023
The winemaker is Filippo Broccardo, supported by the oenologist Gianfranco Cordero. In the vineyards are involved also Federica Broccardo, mum Angela, dad Renato and Massimo (an hard worker, that we consider part of the family)
A young heart, but with strong origin in the past: in this way it is possible to define Broccardo’s family wine cellar.
In the 1940’s our grandparents mainly cultivated and sold grapes, winemaking was only done for family and friends.
In the following years (1970) our parents have continued to buy vineyards to expand and to vinify the grapes mostly for the Italian market.
It is a simple story, because , as usually happened in Piedmont, all started slowly and based on passion in cultivating the vineyards, characterized by a scarce attention to the marketing.
We are located in Langhe and the hills are situated in the southern part of the Region of Piedmont, between the Maritime Alps and the Apennines of the Italian Riviera.
The name ‘Langhe’ seems to be of Celtic origin and signifies ‘tongues of land’, describing the shape of these steep-sided elongated hills which run parallel to one another and are separated by high, narrow valleys.
The Langhe region is among the world’s most generous for the quantity and quality of wines produced. The origins of their fortune can be found in a micro-climate peculiar to the area, their geographical position and the richness of soil types to be found there. All these are factors that contribute to the region’s biodiversity
The Langhe district is one of the most charming landscapes in the Region of Piedmont. Think rolling hills, quaint villages struck on cliffs, and prized vineyards and gastronomic traditions. For food and wine lovers this area is the height of excellence, ideal for relaxing and enjoying the good life amidst nature, art, the epicurean’s favorite hobby of wining and dining.
Monforte d'Alba, where the cellar is located, is a remedy for the soul. Here you will find a good mix of charming historic buildings, lots of fresh air and picturesque rolling Piedmont hills. Monforte's old town and the surrounding vineyards provide the perfect setting for a stay in this area. The quaint historic centre offers a tranquil setting with windy streets and cute courtyards, and a nice selection of cafes and eateries.
Alba is one of the most important communities in these parts and known as the city of truffles, wine and culinary delights.
Barolo is known above all for its beauty, and incarnates the essence of its most nobile of Piedmontese wines. Tucked into the hills, Barolo was a Medieval borgo belonging to the Gonzagas and Savoias; it is dominated by the Castello Falletti, seat of the Comune’s Enoteca and of the Museum of Peasant Life, a collection of antique objects and instruments.
Another must is the castle in Grinzane Cavour, residence of Camillo Benso, Count of Cavour; it is among the oldest in Langhe. Majestic terra-cotta architecture constructed in the 13th Century and re-structured in the 1600s, today it hosts the Regional Enoteca (Winery) and the Oenological Museum.
The continental climate we can find in the Langhe region has some distinctive characteristics that make this area unique.
The Apennines protect the hills from currents of air arriving from the sea. Masses of air from the Mediterranean meet those coming down off the Alps and prevent cold currents arriving from the north from hitting the hills. Natural fluctuations in climate are frequent and can be appreciated in the glass: every vintage is different, in fact, producing endless variety in flavours and perfumes.
The various micro-climates created by the hills and valleys of the Langa influenced by the continental climate of the entire area, stimulates particularly fine and aromatic nuances in the wines.
The Barolo area has medium temperatures, as it’s protected from the currents but also influenced by the Alps and the warm winds rising from the Tanaro valley. The three ridges of the area create heterogeneous landscapes and therefore micro-climates.
The sedimentary soil of the Langa originates from the Ligurian-Piedmontese Tertiary Basin.
The sediment that can nowadays be found in alternating layers developed on the seabed between 12 and 5 million years ago, during the Miocene.
The geological timescales range from Langhian (15,9-13,8 MA) to Serravallian (13,8-11,6 MA) to Tortonian (11,6-7,2 MA) and finally Messinian (7,2-5,3 MA). Over this time, the sea and the basin conditions changed dramatically and these changes are visible in the rock layers and in the various geological formations found in the Langhe:
Murazzano Formation (Langhian-Serravallian): consisting of limestone and sand marls, we can find this formation in the highest zone of the towns South of Clavesana and Belvedere Langhe.
The Lequio Formation (Serravallian): alternates sand and marls, resulting in soils rich in silt, clay and limestone. These can be found in the area of Barolo (centre-South of Serralunga and East of Monforte) and in the production area of Barbaresco (San Rocco Seno d’Elvio and Treiso). We also find the Lequio formation in Dogliani, Farigliano and Clavesana.
Diano Sandstones (Tortonian): sandy strata originated from marine landslides. The soils are rich in sand with less clay and limestone and can be found in the area around Monforte, Castiglione Falletto, Barolo, Diano d’Alba.
Sant’Agata Fossili Marls (Tortonian-Messinian): the most common formation in the Langhe of Barolo and Barbaresco. The soils present a consistent amount of clay and silt. They can be further divided into:
Typicals: common in Grinzane Cavour, Verduno, Santa Maria di La Morra, the lowest part of Castiglione Falletto and Serralunga d’Alba, Barbaresco and part of Neive.
Sandy: can be found in Dogliani, Clavesana, Dogliani, Monchiero; in Monforte, Castiglione Falletto and Annunziata di La Morra; in the highest part of Barbaresco, Neive, Albaand lowest area of Treiso.
Laminate: found in Novello, La Morra and Verduno.
La Morra Conglomerates (Messinian): found in La Morra only, they generate soils rich in gravel.
Vena del Gesso Formation (Messinian): alternation of marls and chalk crystals. The soils are similar to the Sant’Agata Marls’ ones but enriched with chalk. Found on the western hills of La Morra e Verduno.
Cassano Spinola Formation (Messinian): two different areas in La Morra and Verduno. The first has more sand, the latter is more similar to the Sant’Agata Marls Laminate.
Pliocene Marls: found in a tiny area of the commune of Cherasco and characterized by a balanced presence of sand, silt, clay and less limestone.
We believe in hard work in the vineyards to obtain good wines! Indeed, the family mainly cultivates the vineyards. In addition, we abide to EU directives (integrated production techniques law n.214) which involve the practice of grassing. From 2016, our Barolo is certified sustainable wine, and from 2020 our Barolo is certified sustainable wine with SQNPI certification by Valoritalia.
