Fontanabianca
Barbaresco Nebbiolo
Barbaresco, Cuneo, Piedmont, Italy
Pretty good. Has all the markings of what I expect here: dried flowers and fruits. Good spices. Medium bodied. Seems tired for a 2013. It’s good, just lacks the punch I was hoping for.
Pretty good. Has all the markings of what I expect here: dried flowers and fruits. Good spices. Medium bodied. Seems tired for a 2013. It’s good, just lacks the punch I was hoping for.
Feb 2nd, 2019
Just OK, had sort of a rustic charm but was lacking elegance. Dark ruby w/dusty cherry & violets, worn leather, but lacking acidity & rigidity - medium weight & drying on finish. It improved towards end of the night (but not by much)
Just OK, had sort of a rustic charm but was lacking elegance. Dark ruby w/dusty cherry & violets, worn leather, but lacking acidity & rigidity - medium weight & drying on finish. It improved towards end of the night (but not by much)
1 person found it helpfulJun 13th, 2020
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.
Really good and from Costco - medium bodies, not too thin. Delightful!
Really good and from Costco - medium bodies, not too thin. Delightful!
Nov 25th, 2022
17+. Sori Burdin. Very sophisticated wine, Burgundian with very different aromatics. Lovely with cheese.
17+. Sori Burdin. Very sophisticated wine, Burgundian with very different aromatics. Lovely with cheese.
May 1st, 2017Had a bottle in telluride, Colorado over New Years. Very good with a veal dish
Had a bottle in telluride, Colorado over New Years. Very good with a veal dish
Jan 2nd, 2017
Upon opening smelled of light tar and floral notes. Old fashioned root beer smell comes through in the back of the nose. Big tannins and acidity. Brick in color. Floral on the palette. After six hours in the decanter nose turned to mushroom and smoked meat. Earthy taste with still lingering tannins.
Upon opening smelled of light tar and floral notes. Old fashioned root beer smell comes through in the back of the nose. Big tannins and acidity. Brick in color. Floral on the palette. After six hours in the decanter nose turned to mushroom and smoked meat. Earthy taste with still lingering tannins.
Apr 24th, 2016