Moccagatta in Barbaresco: Vineyards, Wine Tastings and Langhe Trails

Moccagatta is the name of a hill in Barbaresco. You will also encounter the name in connection with vineyards, individual wines and trails through the Langhe. In total, Moccagatta has 12 hectares of vineyards in the World Heritage area. Anyone wishing to combine landscapes and winegrowing can include the Moccagatta vineyards, wine tastings and the Sentiero del Barbaresco in their travel plans.

Hill, Vineyard and Name History

In the official MGA classification in 2007, Muncagota, the dialect form of the name, was established as the final designation for the same vineyard; previously, it had been called Moccagatta. The Muncagota cru faces southeast and lies at an elevation of 250 to 300 metres above sea level. In 1913, Luigi expanded the winery on the family estate on Moccagatta Hill.

Vines and Wines

The Moccagatta vineyards include plantings of Nebbiolo on 7 hectares, Barbera on 2 hectares, Dolcetto on 1.5 hectares and Chardonnay on 1.5 hectares. At 7 hectares, the Nebbiolo plantings comprise the largest of the four areas.

One specific example is Chardonnay Buschet, a Langhe DOC wine from a 0.7-hectare vineyard. Barbera d’Alba DOC is associated with the “The Green Experience” initiative and is produced according to regulations involving sustainable cultivation and plant-protection practices. Barbaresco DOCG Bric Balin is produced in a vineyard measuring slightly more than three hectares, directly behind the winery.

Wine Tastings and Trails in the Landscape

Moccagatta offers bookable wine tastings and visits. These activities give your trip a concrete connection to winegrowing without requiring you to limit yourself to simply viewing the vines. They can be planned as a separate item alongside a walk or bike ride.

The Sentiero del Barbaresco runs as a circular trail through the vineyards and hills of the Langhe and frequently offers panoramic views, including views of Monviso. The Sentiero del Barbaresco also leads downhill from the hilltop in the direction of the Moccagatta winery. This makes it possible to plan a hike or walk around a specific trail and a clear direction.

The wider context can also be taken into account for a bike ride. The villages of Barbaresco are considered hilly countryside for cycling. A route from Neive to Treiso is about 10 kilometres long and can be extended to a tour of up to 41 kilometres. The approximately ten kilometres form the shorter option; extending the route to 41 kilometres accordingly requires more time for the bike ride. A stop at Moccagatta can be planned on a route towards Treiso; the winery bears the name of the hill on which its vines are planted.

Other Places

Demonte, Clavesana, Melle, Sommariva Del Bosco, Uccellaccio, Roata, Roccasparvera, Treiso

For the higher-level travel overview: Cuneo.