Fausoni Barbaresco 2020

Originating from the hills of Neive, in the heart of the prestigious Barbaresco appellation in Piedmont, this wine comes from the Fausoni cru, a hillside vineyard with marl-limestone soils rich in clay and sand. Located at a moderate altitude and well-ventilated, the site benefits from favorable exposures that ensure slow and even ripening of the grapes. The Sottimano estate practices meticulous viticulture, prioritizing manual labor and respect for natural balances to precisely express the character of this Langhe terroir.

The grapes are harvested by hand, destemmed, and fermented in stainless steel tanks with indigenous yeasts, without temperature control, with a long maceration and gentle pump-overs. Malolactic fermentation occurs naturally in barrels. The wine is then aged in French oak barrels, mostly used, on its fine lees, without racking, for approximately two years, before being bottled without filtration or fining, in order to preserve the purest expression of the Fausoni terroir.

This wine reveals notes of red fruit , black cherry , and raspberry , complemented by floral touches reminiscent of rose and violet, as well as spicy nuances of licorice and pepper, underpinned by a light oak and balsamic character. The palate is elegant, with a precise texture, lively acidity , and firm yet fine tannins , leading to a long, flavorful finish that highlights the freshness and elegance of the Nebbiolo grape.

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!