2015 Albino Rocca Barbaresco Montersino, Piedmont

The Montersino cru is located at the southern tip of Barbaresco, in San Rocco Seno d’Elvio. It was planted by Angelo Rocca in 1998 at 320 metres ASL. This small, 0.42-hectare parcel is the highest altitude of all the Estate’s Barbaresco vineyards. In fact, Montersino is one of Barbaresco’s highest plots full stop. The south-facing vines here are rooted on very poor clay and limestone slopes, with thin layers of sandstone. Daniela Rocca has pointed out to us that this soil type (locally called Formazioni di Lequio) resembles Barolo’s Monforte and some of the chalky soils found in Serralunga. Again this is as good as ready to drink, the palate flowing with bright, juicy, red fruits as well as notes of dried flowers, peppery spices and stylish, balancing freshness.

The 2015 Barbaresco Montersino is silky, gracious and enveloping, all while retaining a very classic mid-weight sense of structure. Rose petal, mint, game, sweet red cherry, chalk and white pepper add an attractive aromatic register. All the elements are very nicely balanced in this mid-weight Barbaresco.