A deep, rich and complex Barbaresco from the Fausoni cru, with powerful tannins. A masterpiece from Francone: Decanter Silver Medal, 91 pts by Wine Enthusiast

This wine comes from the Fausoni cru in Neive – one of the sixty-six MGA vineyards officially recognised in Barbaresco DOCG. With a full body and complex flavours, it shows the full strength and expression of ripe Nebbiolo.

This Fausoni cru vineyard sits on a slope of the hill west of the village of Neive, between Via Gaia and Via Slizza. The vineyard is at an elevation of 260 metres above sea level, faces south-west and receives a lot of afternoon sunlight. This allows the Nebbiolo grapes to ripen fully, and achieve their full potential. The resulting Barbaresco wine is one of the most powerful wines made by Fabrizio Francone, with refined tannins and lots of depth and complexity.

Winemaking

The grapes are hand-harvested in the second week of October – just before the weather turns really cold and a thick fog covers the mountains. First, the wine undergoes fermentation on grape skins for fourteen days in a 5000-litre stainless steel tank, at a controlled temperature of 24-28 °C. After this, the skins are removed and the wine finishes fermentation for another nine days.

After this, Fabrizio matures his wine in French oak for twenty-four months: 70% in large 1200-litre old barrels, and 30% in small new barriques. This is much longer than the 9-month minimum set by the Barbaresco disciplinare – and means tannins will be more refined. By spending such a long time in oak, the wine develops a deep and complex character with many flavours competing for attention – liquorice, leather, prunes, and Amsterdam pipe tobacco. But, most importantly, the Nebbiolo grapes from the Fausoni cru have lots of fresh juicy acidity and fruity flavours. Because of that, the wine can age and improve for as long as 15 to 20 years, while the tannins evolve and become magical. Drink now, or hold.

Tasting notes

Medium ruby colour. On the nose it has pronounced aromas of bramble, redcurrant, nutmeg, coconut, chocolate, liquorice, dried blackberries, prune, forest floor, tobacco, and leather. In the mouth, you can feel the signature powerful tannins of Nebbiolo. Each sip is full of redcurrant and plums, dark chocolate, liquorice and forest floor. Expect a long finish.

Awards

Decanter World Wine Awards 2020 – Silver Medal (2016 vintage) | Wine enthusiast – 91/100 points (2016 vintage)