Barbaresco Il Bricco 2020

This Barbaresco DOCG comes from the Nebbiolo micro-plots of the Il Bricco property, located on the heights of Bricco di Treiso, in Piedmont. This cool, breezy sector, among the highest in the Barbaresco area, lies on calcareous marl soils with steep slopes. It yields a concentrated, refined expression of Nebbiolo.

The grapes are harvested between late September and early October, then ferment in stainless-steel tanks with around 15 days of skin maceration. Ageing continues for 30 months in French oak: 70% in new barrels and 30% in large 20-hectolitre foudres. A further period in bottle then refines its harmony.

This wine reveals notes of strawberry, cherry, cranberry, dark plum, violet, hibiscus, blood orange, black tea, cedar, sandalwood, crushed stone, nutmeg and sweet spices. The medium-bodied, nicely concentrated palate stretches out with a slender texture, fresh, structuring acidity, very fine yet present tannins, then a flavourful, persistent finish with earthy accents.

Ah, Italy, what a beautiful, hedonistic country, the land of la dolce vita, but how difficult it is to understand its wine industry! The key to understanding the appellation system in Italy is to think of it as several small countries rather than a single homogeneous nation, as each region has its own appellation system. Italy can offer wine lovers a multitude of wines with varied and unique flavors and styles, bottles brimming with surprise and creativity. Unfortunately, it also produces a large quantity of soulless, characterless wines sold under their most commercially useful and prestigious name: Pinot Grigio, Chianti, Valpolicella, Lambrusco, Prosecco, and many others... But let's talk a little history. Viticulture in Italy dates back to antiquity and originated in Greece. The Etruscans are said to have introduced the vine, and Greek immigrants improved and modified the grape varieties, subsequently calling the country "Oenotria": the land of wine. At the height of the Roman Empire, wine held an important place in daily life, and certain regions already distinguished themselves by the excellence of their product. The Romans also established numerous vineyards in Europe, leaving an indelible mark of their conquest. Today, Italy is the world's largest wine producer, ahead of France. Italy is divided into three climatic zones. The northern mountains have a rather harsh mountain climate. The plains of the "central boot" are characterized by a continental climate with cold winters and hot, stormy summers. In the southern part of the Italian boot, the Mediterranean climate prevails, with very hot and dry summers, not forgetting the islands of Sicily and Sardinia. In short, Italy produces a wide variety of wines thanks to its 200 different grape varieties, many of which originated in its own lands. It is a country as complex as its wines, which deserve to be explored!