Barolo Riserva 90 di Bussia 2018

Located in the heart of the Langhe, in Piedmont, the Barolo Riserva 90 di Bussia vineyard from Giacomo Fenocchio winery comes from the Bussia cru, in the municipality of Monforte d’Alba. This historic Barolo sector rests on marly soils rich in clay and limestone, offering excellent water retention capacity and a strong ability to produce wines of great structure. The vines, located on well-exposed hillsides, benefit from a temperate continental climate, with large temperature fluctuations favoring slow and complete maturation of the Nebbiolo.

The Nebbiolo grapes are harvested manually from the Bussia cru, then destemmed and crushed before a long traditional maceration on the skins. Alcoholic fermentation takes place in stainless steel tanks at controlled temperatures, with daily pump-overs to gently extract tannins and aromas. After devatting, the wine is racked into large Slavonian oak barrels for extended aging, during which it undergoes malolactic fermentation and slowly matures before bottling without excessive filtration.

This wine reveals notes of black cherry, ripe red fruits, and plum, complemented by floral touches of rose and violet, as well as spicy nuances of licorice and pepper. Woody accents of tobacco, cedar, and vanilla mingle with a subtle mineral dimension. On the palate, the texture is ample and deep, supported by lively acidity, firm but polished tannins, and a long, persistent finish that underlines the noble character of 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!