Fausoni, Barbaresco DOCG 2019

Wine Description for Fausoni Barbaresco DOCG 2019 by Sottimano

Colour & Appearance

Sparkling brick red with lively violet reflections and a rusty, pale fading rim – classic and of great transparency, as Nebbiolo demands in its purest form.

Nose

A wine that rewards patience. Initially undergrowth, forest floor and pine bark dominate – accompanied by ethereal notes of fir needles, tree resin and a hint of pine. Juniper and black pepper lend spicy depth. With air, the fruit slowly pushes forward: plum, elderberry and raspberry gain contour and expression. A Nebbiolo that doesn’t reveal its hand immediately.

Palate

Straight as an arrow, precise and carried by a cool, stony minerality that tolerates no distraction. The tannin is fine-grained and restrained – no harshness, but clear structure. The wine feels compact and focused; the fruit slowly transforms towards sweet and sour cherry, never veering into sweetness.

Finish

Long, herbal-mineral and marked by pleasant coolness. The spicy and ethereal notes from the nose linger discreetly – a finish that suggests more than it reveals and calls for another sip.

Terroir & Origin

The single vineyard site Fausoni lies at the edge of Neive in the heart of the Barbaresco region. At just 1.5 hectares, it is Sottimano’s smallest and most intimate cru. The approximately 45-year-old vines facing south-west produce grapes of extraordinary depth and complexity. The terroir bestows upon the wine its characteristic balance of elegance, aromatic power and concentration.

Grape Variety & Vinification

Pure Nebbiolo, spontaneously fermented with native yeasts, 25 days of maceration. Spontaneous malolactic fermentation in French oak; maturation over 24 months in barrel (15% new wood, remainder in second to fourth fill), of which 12 months on the lees. Bottled unfiltered and unrefined – artisanal integrity at every step. Biodynamic viticulture underscores the vineyard character.

Food Pairing Suggestions

Classically with the Piedmontese table: lamb loin under a nut crust with roasted gnocchi and creamed spinach is an almost perfect accompaniment. Equally convincing: Presa Ibérica from the grill with Mediterranean vegetable and olive pan and dried tomato chutney. For those preferring something lighter, chicken harissa stew with fragrant rice offers a spicy, well-matched partner.

Special Features

A wine in waiting mode: The 2019 Fausoni already displays its extraordinary quality today, yet its full potential will only be revealed in a few years. Those who bring patience will be rewarded with a Barbaresco of rare precision and depth.