Fausoni, Barbaresco DOCG 2021

Wine tasting notes for Fausoni Barbaresco DOCG 2021 by Sottimano

Colour & Appearance

A brilliantly luminous cherry red that lightens towards the rim.

Nose

Profound on the nose and fascinatingly floral: juicy sour cherry meets darker notes of plum, mulberry and fresh, tart sloe. Underpinning this clear fruit is an earthy, chalky minerality, hints of wet limestone, cool undergrowth and a touch of tree bark. Herbaceous accents of rosemary and lovage, alongside delicate aromas of allspice and pepper, reveal themselves only gradually.

Palate

On the palate, the Fausoni demonstrates its single-vineyard identity as the estate’s most supple cru: despite its enormous structural density, it presents itself surprisingly fleet-footed. The fine-grained tannins provide support without feeling assertive, guiding the fruit into an invigorating balance of pleasant bitterness. A cool, fresh core carries accents of mint, parsley, a hint of white pepper and a fine nuance of coffee.

Terroir & Origin

Grown in the south-west facing single vineyard Fausoni, situated right by the town of Neive. The Nebbiolo vines, averaging 48 years of age, are rooted in terroirs that have been organically farmed since the 1970s. Yields are kept low at 40 hectolitres per hectare.

Grape Variety & Winemaking

100% Nebbiolo. At Andrea Sottimano, the destemmed grapes remain in open stainless steel fermenters for an exceptionally long period – up to 60 days on the skins with regular punching down of the cap. Fermented with wild yeasts and aged for around 24 months in large, slightly conical Botti as well as used Burgundian pièces. Bottled without filtration or fining.

Food Pairings

Outstanding alongside braised beef short ribs with Savoy cabbage and soba noodles. For a vegetarian option, it pairs brilliantly with charred tenderstem broccoli with roasted hazelnuts and mint or a flavourful cauliflower salad with pomegranate and pistachios.

Key Features

A new-generation Barbaresco: unfiltered, spontaneously fermented, and endowed with immense finesse and longevity thanks to the extremely extended maceration.