Barolo Bussia 2021

Giacomo Fenocchio's Barolo Bussia comes from the prestigious Bussia cru, located in the municipality of Monforte d’Alba in the heart of the Langhe, Piedmont. The vines are rooted on well-exposed hillsides at moderate altitudes, in marly-calcareous soils rich in clay and sand, which promote slow and complete ripening of the Nebbiolo. This historic terroir, with well-ventilated slopes, offers structured, deep, and elegant wines, emblematic of the Barolo tradition of this renowned area.

Harvests are manual, with rigorous sorting of the bunches in the vineyard. After careful destemming, alcoholic fermentation takes place in stainless steel tanks with a long traditional maceration on the skins, accompanied by regular pump-overs and rack and returns to extract color and structure. Malolactic fermentation then occurs in tanks before prolonged aging in large Slavonian oak barrels, in order to preserve the pure expression of Nebbiolo and the classic character of the cru, without excessive wood influence.

This wine reveals notes of ripe red fruits, black cherry, and plum, complemented by floral touches of rose and violet, as well as spicy nuances of licorice and pepper. A delicate woody register and a subtle mineral dimension are also perceived. On the palate, the texture is ample and deep, supported by a lively acidity, firm but polished tannins, and a long persistent finish that highlights the finesse and complexity of the Nebbiolo.

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!