Barolo Cannubi 2020

Giacomo Fenocchio's Barolo Cannubi comes from the famous Cannubi cru, in the heart of the commune of Barolo, in the Piedmont region of northwestern Italy. The vines are located on a historic hill, mainly south and southeast-facing, at a moderate altitude, benefiting from a particularly favorable microclimate. The soils are composed of calcareous marl and sand, giving the wine a combination of aromatic finesse and structure. This terroir is considered one of the most prestigious in the Barolo appellation area.

The Nebbiolo grapes are harvested manually at full maturity, then destemmed and crushed before a prolonged traditional maceration with regular pump-overs. Fermentation takes place in stainless steel tanks at controlled temperatures, with long vatting times allowing for a gradual extraction of tannins and aromas. After devatting, the wine is slowly aged in large Slavonian oak barrels to preserve the expression of the Cannubi terroir, before bottling without artifice, in a classic and low-intervention style.

This wine reveals notes of black cherry, ripe red fruits, and plum, complemented by floral nuances of dried rose and violet. Spicy touches of licorice, pepper, and sweet spices mingle with a more tertiary register of tobacco and fine leather. On the palate, the body is ample and structured, supported by firm yet elegant tannins, a lively acidity, and a long, persistent, and slightly mineral finish.

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!