Barolo Villero 2020

Giacomo Fenocchio’s Barolo Villero comes from the Villero cru, one of the most renowned vineyards in the commune of Castiglione Falletto, in the heart of the Langhe, Piedmont. This hillside benefits from south and southwest exposures, on marly-calcareous soils rich in clay and sand, typical of the central Barolo area. Located at a moderate altitude, the vineyard enjoys a distinct continental climate, with significant temperature variations that promote slow and complete ripening of the Nebbiolo grapes.

The Nebbiolo grapes are harvested manually, then destemmed and crushed before traditional alcoholic fermentation in stainless steel tanks with long skin maceration, conducted by indigenous yeasts and regular pump-overs. Malolactic fermentation occurs naturally, followed by prolonged aging in large Slavonian oak barrels, to preserve the expression of the Villero terroir while refining the tannins. The wine then rests in the bottle before commercialization, to gain complexity and harmony.

This wine reveals notes of black cherry, ripe red fruits, and plum, complemented by floral touches of dried rose and violet, as well as spicy nuances of licorice and pepper, supported by a light woody and balsamic register. The palate presents a full body, with a firm but fine tannic structure, a lively acidity that extends the profile, and a persistent, flavorful, and elegant 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!