Italy (意大利) - The Northwest - Barolo
Castiglione Falleto

Click to View: Map of Barolo / Castiglione Falleto.

A sub category of Barolo DOCG, Barolo covers some 3,100 acres of which are divided into 11 communes just south of the city of Alba. They are Barolo, Castiglione Falletto, Serralunga d’Alba, Diano d’Alba, Grinzane Cavour, Monforte d’Alba, Novello, Cherasco, La Morra, Roddi and Verduno. The best vineyards are La Morra and Barolo to the western half of the zone, and Monforte d’Alba, Castiglione Falleto and Serralunga to the eastern half of the zone.

Although this area is technically on the eastern side of the Barolo zone, it actually lies near the geographic center of the appellation. The wine styles of Castiglione Falleto occupy the middle ground between the ethereal (aromatic), perfumed wines of La Morra to the west, and to the dense, tannic styles of Serralunga and Monforte to the southeast. Priced vineyards in this area include Rocche, Monprivato, and Villero.

Grape(s):

Soils:
The soils are rich in minerals ie magnesium in the west, iron in the east. Mainly - limestone, clay, marl, and sand.

From left to right: Limestone, Clay, Marl, and Sand.

Weather Conditions:
This area experiences long autumns (With fogs, thus enabling ripening); severe winters and warm summers. Hail storms and spring frosts are concerns and may exist from time to time. Most of the vineyards are situated on hillsides for good drainage and exposed to the sun, with the vines generally facing south.

From left to right: Long Autumns, Micro Climates, Severe Winters, and Warm Summers.

Wine Style:
The wines of Castiglione Falleto is thought to posses a rich bouquet with a velvety texture; from medium to full bodied wine of aromatic and tannic properties in its youth. A wine with a bold, rich and generous character of surprising concentration as it ages in the bottle.

Best Producers:
Please see the main page on Barolo.

Further Reading:
Answers.com
Commune Castiglione Falleto
Star Chefs
Wikipedia