Fausoni, Barbaresco DOCG 2021

Wine Description for Fausoni Barbaresco DOCG 2021 by Sottimano

Colour & Appearance

Brilliantly luminous cherry red with a pale, transparent rim – classically Piedmontese, possessed of an almost ethereal lightness.

Nose

The nose is profound and of irresistible allure. Sour cherry dominates, yet willingly opens to darker layers: plum, mulberry, almost sloe. Beneath lies an earthy, chalky undertone – like wet limestone after rain. Fine notes of undergrowth and resinous tree bark lend depth, whilst allspice, pepper, rosemary and lovage bring restrained yet precise spice.

Palate

On the palate, a Barbaresco of impressive concentration yet remarkable lightness of touch. The tannin is fine-grained, essential, perfectly balanced – it gives the wine structure and bite without overwhelming. The fruit is firmly bound in bitterness, lending the wine tension and character. A cool, mineral foundation runs like a thread through the palate. Gradually, herbs unfold – lovage, mint, parsley, rosemary – bringing freshness and complexity. White pepper and a whisper of coffee round out the picture with subtle sophistication.

Finish

Long, cool and marked by fine spice. The herbal notes linger, the tannin carries elegantly. A finish that rewards patience.

Terroir & Origin

The grapes hail from the vineyard site Fausoni in Neive, south-westerly exposed and directly adjoining the town. The limestone-rich soils of this site leave an unmistakable mineral signature – chalky freshness, cool depth.

Grape Variety & Vinification

Nebbiolo from 48-year-old vines, organically farmed since the 1970s. Yield: 40 hl/ha. Destemmed fermentation with up to 60 days of skin contact in open stainless steel vessels with regular punch-downs. Maturation in large, slightly conical botti for around 24 months – traditional, yet with modern finesse.

Food Pairing Suggestions

Ideal with braised beef short ribs with savoy cabbage and soba noodles. Surprisingly harmonious also with roasted wild broccoli with toasted hazelnuts and mint or a cauliflower salad with pomegranate and pistachios – the wine’s herbal spice finds a kindred spirit in vegetarian dishes.

Special Characteristics

A Barbaresco that masterfully resolves the tension between power and finesse. Already a pleasure to drink now, yet with the potential to gain further depth and complexity over many years.