Roddi

Roddi lies on the northern edge of the Barolo area, between Alba and Verduno. The village sits on a hill and is crowned by a medieval castle with two round towers. It is not a particularly lively place; the village largely serves as a commuter town for the wealthier workers of Alba, the unofficial capital of the Langhe.

For Barolo, Roddi has just one MGA: Bricco Ambrogio. The vineyard lies on the typical Sant'Agata Fossili marl. Barolos from Bricco Ambrogio generally have a little more volume and warmth than those from neighbouring Verduno.

Roddi is best known for truffles. At the foot of the castle, the Università dei cani da tartufo, the "university" for truffle dogs, has been based since 1880. It was founded by Antonio Monchiero, nicknamed "Barot" (the village fool). His family has been training dogs to hunt truffles here for four generations. During the Alba Truffle Fair, white truffle tastings are held in the castle.

What to do in Roddi:

• stop by La Volta Rossa, one of the nicest spots in Roddi
• have a really good pizza at Originale Bar e Pizzeria (though you are better off skipping the wine here)