Franco Rocca in Barbaresco – a Piedmont wine tasting experience you won’t soon forget!
I was introduced to Franco’s Cantina del Briccheto, his wine, and lovely family when I moved to the Langhe in 2013. I will never forget that first experience, being prepared to “get Rocca’d”.
Franco, his wife Susan, and two sweet children (now entering their teens!!) live and work at their a winery in Barbaresco’s winemaking area of Neive. It’s a family affair with the foursome tending the vines, working the cellar, and managing all aspects of operations. On distribution, primarily all sales are at the cellar door. Franco is the cantina master and Susan makes magic in the kitchen.
While Franco pours and pours and pours…and, pours, Susan keeps the food coming so visitors can stand when they leave! Yes, even today a trip to Franco’s Cantina del Brichetto often results in getting “Rocca’d”! And, let me tell, you haven’t lived until you hear this warm, welcoming contadino belt out opera for you in his home. Heart and passion in every perfect note.
For our Barbaresco and Barolo wine tours, we do lunch tastings, cooking classes, and the proverbial ‘traditional’ Langhe winery visit (note that nothing about a trip to Franco’s is ‘traditional’, it’s always epic) at Cantine del Bricchetto. The family owns parcels in some of Neive’s top vineyard crus, including Albesani and their first Barbaresco Gallina releases soon!
But, the Franco Rocca wine that leaves everyone gaping and coming back from more is his Barbera d’Alba Bricco Sterpone. Don’t miss the recipe Susan provided for Carbonara alla Bricco Sterpone (link below).
Franco Rocca Wine: Cantina del Bricchetto
- Production: 23000 to 25000 bottles / year.
- Vineyard space: 4.5 hectares in the Barbaresco winemaking area of Neive.
- Grapes cultivated: dolcetto, barbera, nebbiolo
- Visits: They happily accept visitors by appointment only, but note that English is limited; request a visit when you book a Barbaresco and Barolo wine tour.
Years ago I took my friend Elaine from Colorado for a lunch experience. She fell in love with the wines and the family. Elaine writes a wine travel blog, Carpe Travel (where my blogging days began!!) When lockdown started, she ordered some Franco Rocca wine from me and said she wanted to do a feature for him on her site. So, I helped with translation and Susan gave us a recipe to pair with the Barbera d’Alba Bricco Sterpone – and, we’re now bringing you an intimate look at Franco and his family, plus an opportunity to get the wines!
Read Elaine’s interview with Franco –
winemaking in the Langhe hills, tips on things to do and see, family life, and more. Click here.
And, click for Susan’s Pasta Carbonara alla Barbera Bricco Sterpone recipe. Also, find my picks below for other Franco Rocca wine pairings with some of my virtual cooking adventures with Denise Pardini of Castello di Sinio.
Click for all the recipes.
Order your Franco Rocca wine!
Note that we are working with Stefano and Elisabetta of Enoteca La Vite Turchese in Barolo on the wine fulfillment and shipping, so your order confirmation with the secure link for payment will come from them.
For more Piedmont wines on offer, click here and for our Mount Etna wine and education specials, click here (offers can be combined, just add other wines in the comment box).
Shipping is included on 12+ bottles, including North America (the U.S.A. and Canada).
Franco Rocca wine order form:
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Follow Franco and Cantina del Bricchetto:
- Website: francorocca.com
- Facebook: facebook.com/FrancoRoccaNeive
- Instagram: @francoroccaneive
Follow Carpe Travel:
- Website: carpe-travel.com
- Facebook: facebook.com/CarpeTravel
- Instagram: @thecarpetravel
