La Morra
La Morra, built in the Barolo production area, is 13 km far from Alba, and includes the villages of Annunziata, Berri, Rivalta and Santa Maria. It’s a place of relax and holidays, thanks to its beautiful position on the top of a hill.
On the main square it’s possible to see the baroque church of saint Martin and the Fraternity of San Rocco; in a corner, a littel triangular garden has taken the place of the ancient cemetery, in front of the Town Hall. Nearby, in the Communal Cellar, it’s possible to taste and buy wine. A littel far away, in piazza Castello, it’s possible to see one of the best views over the Langhe.
In the Annunziata village it’s possible to see the former benedictine abbey of san Martino di Mercenasco, where today the Ratti Wine Museum has its seat. From here start the WinePaths and the “Mangialonga”.
History
Murra is an ancient town: it was founded at the end of the XII century by the Commune of Alba. Its citizens were under Alba’s influence until their town became independent.
Some say that the name La Morra comes from “murra”, a benedictine name meaning a “closed place”, surrounded by stone walls, where animals (sheep and goats) was gathered; according to some others it comes from “mora”, blackberry.
There are also some who say that it comes from “mola”, mill, referring to the mills made in Croera village, not far from La Morra.
From 1340 on the town was owned by the Falletti, later marquis of Barolo, family.
The castle was knocked down by the French in 1542, along with the two town doors, called San Martino and Del Mercato.
La Morra had, since 1402, its own laws; in the code is even cited the “Nebiolium” vine, today’s Nebbiolo, as suitable for making an excellent wine.
La Morra and its beautiful views
At over 500 meters in elevation, La Morra looks down upon the castle of Barolo.
However, from the right spot you not only look out onto the spectacular Barolo vineyards to the east, but also towards the towns of Monforte and Novello to the South, and as far as the Alps across the Po-valley to the west.
It was here that I almost drove off the road in amazement of how beautiful the views were.
La Morra has a cute weekly market on Monday mornings with local products, and a smaller artisanal market on the weekends.
Furthermore, the village has a tourist information office with a nice shop, several delicatessen, and a staggering twenty-five excellent restaurants; this is a surprise as the town really is very small, but it has become a popular destination, and the town is livelier than ever.
It has a very fancy feel to it and you should not be surprised to see a line of very expensive sports’ cars drive into town.
Typically, their drivers will be from the North-Italian cities, or from Switzerland, on their way to enjoy a good meal with a fantastic glass of wine.
Origins
Like many of the other towns in the Langhe, the village dates back to around 1000AD; a small settlement emerged on this hilltop that was known as “La Murra” (sheep fold).
It became a municipality in 1296 and La Morra wrote its own statutes in 1401: in this document, the Nebbiolo grape ‘nebiolium’ was documented for the first time.
As such La Morra can be seen as the birthplace of the Barolo wine; in total, its territory consists of 750 hectares of DOC wines and it holds thirty percent of the Barolo grounds.
As you will understand, it is a hotspot to find a good glass of wine.
There are also several historical buildings to visit: for instance, the bell tower that was built in 1710 with the remains of a destroyed castle.
From the top of the tower you get great views over all the surrounding valleys.
Furthermore, there are the Baroque parochial church (1699) close to communal winery, the Chiesa della Confraternita di San Rocco and the village town hall (1765) on the little square with the horse chestnut tree.
Food & Drinks
The choice in La Morra is very broad: you could consider going to the classic restaurant Bovio, which is famous for its lovely food, great Barolos, and spectacular views over the vineyards.
There are also Osteria Veglio and L'Osteria del Vignaiolo which are well known.
Osteria Veglio is more modern and located in locality Annunziata, where you can also find the Michelin star restaurant Osteria dell'Arborina.
L’Osteria del Vignaiolo has a wine list to dream of.
Even the most demanding guests can find something to their liking with the broad offer of wines that can cost up to €600 a bottle; luckily, they also have very reasonably priced wines, and rooms.
So, if the wines were a bit too tempting, one can always decide to stay for the night.
La Morra’s ‘Cantina comunale’ (cooperative winery) brings together the wines of the sixty producers of the region.
You can go there to get a good idea of tastes and prices, visit a local cantina, or treat yourself to a nice glass in one of the many bars in this little town.