Barbaresco Albesani DOCG 2020 · MAGNUM

Roagna | Piedmont
Az. Agr. I Paglieri | Loc. Paglieri 9 | IT 12050 Barbaresco

Anyone who hears the name Albesani inevitably thinks of Bruno Giacosa and his mythical Santo Stefano. The fact that Luca Roagna has been cultivating a plot of land in the immediate neighbourhood since 2014 is one of the best-kept secrets of Barbaresco – and one of its most exciting developments. The plot is located at 240 metres at the highest point of the hill, where the area borders Santo Stefano. The terroir is characterised by chalky soils with a good proportion of sand, and fifty-year-old Nebbiolo vines are deeply rooted in this privileged soil. Albesani has held MGA certification since 2007 – late recognition for a site that connoisseurs have long counted among the greatest in the region. The vinification follows the Roagna canon: maceration with a submerged cap for two months, five years of ageing in large barrels and concrete.

Delicate, rusty cherry red colour with a brownish rim – a transparent appearance of mature elegance. The nose opens cool and fine: iron and rust create mineral tension, with rosehip, sour cherry and wild raspberry embedded in Mediterranean herbs – rosemary, thyme, sage – and a hint of black pepper. Astonishing delicacy on the palate: silky tannins coat the mouth without ever dominating. Undergrowth and pine needles interweave with stony coolness and lively acidity, which gives an irresistible drinking flow. A Barbaresco of quiet grandeur, whose elegance comes from calm and balance – already accessible now, but with potential for decades to come. SUPERIORE.DE

"Broad and open, this red wine is reminiscent of plum, cherry, earth and eucalyptus flavours, accompanied by a lively acidity. Smooth in texture, with firm but well-integrated tannins that define the long, complex finish." Wine Spectator

"The 2020 Barbaresco Albesani presents an elegant, restrained expression of Albesani. Dried cherry, crushed flowers, cedar, mint and pipe tobacco open with a bit of coaxing. This ethereal, haunting Barbaresco has to much to offer. It will be interesting to see if it gains weight with time in bottle. Today, it is very much on the delicate, aromatic side of things." Vinous