Fausoni Barbaresco DOCG 2023

A Barbaresco led by its fragrance: hollyhock, mallow and violets, followed by cherries in every shade. Balsamic notes of leather, mint and tobacco join in, along with a touch of orange zest on the top note. It opens up quickly in the glass.

The Fausoni vineyard lies within the municipality of Neive. Old vines grow there on chalky, rather lean soils facing southwest. Azienda Agricola Sottimano is based in the hamlet of Cottà, where Rino Sottimano acquired the estate in the late 1960s; today Andrea, Elena and Claudia run the nearly twenty hectares. The estate has been farmed organically for over forty years, without herbicides or synthetic fertilisers.

Pure Nebbiolo. After careful selection, the wine ferments spontaneously with yeasts native to the vineyard and cellar, followed by extended skin contact: Andrea Sottimano leaves the Nebbiolo on its skins for up to sixty days. Malolactic fermentation begins once the cellar warms naturally in spring. This is followed by 18 to 22 months in oak, with a small proportion of new wood; bottling takes place without filtration or fining. 14.5% vol.

Juicy and expansive, with clearly defined cherry fruit and a spicy frame. The still-youthful tannins feel finely polished, lending a silky texture, while ripe, well-integrated acidity keeps the line taut and precise through to a long, spicy, fresh finish.

Brasato al Barolo, tajarin with truffle and game dishes such as venison haunch or hare ragù; among cheeses, an aged pecorino or Parmigiano Reggiano.

Fausoni is one of five single vineyards from which Sottimano bottles Barbaresco, alongside Cottà, Currà, Pajorè and Basarin. Rino Sottimano himself planted most of these parcels in the 1970s and 80s.