Fontanabianca
Barbaresco Nebbiolo
Barbaresco, Cuneo, Piedmont, Italy
Fontanabianca – Barbaresco DOCG 2021
Piedmont, Italy 🇮🇹
Overview
A classic Nebbiolo expression from the Barbaresco DOCG, one of Italy’s most revered appellations alongside Barolo. Fontanabianca has built a reputation for crafting wines that balance power and elegance, showing both the perfume and structure Nebbiolo is known for. The 2021 vintage was widely praised in Piedmont for its precision and freshness.
Aromas & Flavors
Lifted aromas of rose petal, violets, and red cherry are joined by notes of cranberry, licorice, tar, and sweet spices. On the palate, flavors of sour cherry, wild strawberry, and dried herbs interplay with hints of tobacco and anise, all carried by lively acidity.
Mouthfeel
Medium to full-bodied, with firm but polished tannins typical of young Nebbiolo. Bright acidity drives the wine forward, finishing long with a chalky, mineral edge. Youthful yet already graceful, this wine will only improve with time.
Winemaking Notes
Aged traditionally in large oak casks to preserve Nebbiolo’s aromatic purity and regional typicity. The DOCG classification ensures rigorous production standards, reflecting Barbaresco’s unique calcareous soils and cooler microclimate.
Food Pairing
Pairs beautifully with truffle risotto, braised veal shank (osso buco), aged cheeses, or wild mushroom dishes. Its tannic backbone also makes it a natural partner for hearty meat ragùs.
Verdict
A beautifully poised Barbaresco that showcases the finesse of the 2021 vintage: floral, vibrant, and structured. Drink now with decanting, or cellar for a decade to unlock its full complexity.
Personal Pick Highlight
One of my favorite Barbarescos — it hits that sweet spot of approachability and age-worthiness, offering both immediate pleasure and serious pedigree without the often-intimidating weight of Barolo. A benchmark wine that I’d gladly revisit again and again.
Fontanabianca – Barbaresco DOCG 2021
Piedmont, Italy 🇮🇹
Overview
A classic Nebbiolo expression from the Barbaresco DOCG, one of Italy’s most revered appellations alongside Barolo. Fontanabianca has built a reputation for crafting wines that balance power and elegance, showing both the perfume and structure Nebbiolo is known for. The 2021 vintage was widely praised in Piedmont for its precision and freshness.
Aromas & Flavors
Lifted aromas of rose petal, violets, and red cherry are joined by notes of cranberry, licorice, tar, and sweet spices. On the palate, flavors of sour cherry, wild strawberry, and dried herbs interplay with hints of tobacco and anise, all carried by lively acidity.
Mouthfeel
Medium to full-bodied, with firm but polished tannins typical of young Nebbiolo. Bright acidity drives the wine forward, finishing long with a chalky, mineral edge. Youthful yet already graceful, this wine will only improve with time.
Winemaking Notes
Aged traditionally in large oak casks to preserve Nebbiolo’s aromatic purity and regional typicity. The DOCG classification ensures rigorous production standards, reflecting Barbaresco’s unique calcareous soils and cooler microclimate.
Food Pairing
Pairs beautifully with truffle risotto, braised veal shank (osso buco), aged cheeses, or wild mushroom dishes. Its tannic backbone also makes it a natural partner for hearty meat ragùs.
Verdict
A beautifully poised Barbaresco that showcases the finesse of the 2021 vintage: floral, vibrant, and structured. Drink now with decanting, or cellar for a decade to unlock its full complexity.
Personal Pick Highlight
One of my favorite Barbarescos — it hits that sweet spot of approachability and age-worthiness, offering both immediate pleasure and serious pedigree without the often-intimidating weight of Barolo. A benchmark wine that I’d gladly revisit again and again.