2020 Cantina del Pino Barbaresco Albesani, Piedmont

Lean in appearance with light ruby transparency, the Cantina del Pino 2020 Barbaresco Albesani (with 3,000 bottles created) shows savory notes on the bouquet with fresh berry fruit enhanced by smoke, tar and dark licorice. The wine also offers a more pronounced mineral note that frames a core of sweet fruit. The wine's intensity and its overall depth is very nicely played in this vintage. The Albesani site has typical Sant'Agata marl soils of sedimentary and marine origin (complete with fossils).

95 points Monica Larner robertparker.com

From the celebrated Albesani cru in Barbaresco comes a Nebbiolo that beautifully captures the finesse and perfume of this prized hillside. Cantina del Pino is a small, family run estate deeply rooted in Barbaresco history, with the Vacca family farming vineyards in Ovello and surrounding crus for generations. Today Franca Vacca continues the legacy with sustainable vineyard practices and a classic, restrained winemaking style that allows site expression to lead. Albesani is known for its calcareous marl soils and excellent exposure, producing Barbaresco of aromatic intensity, refined tannins and impressive ageing potential.

In the glass it shows a luminous garnet hue with brick tinged edges, classic for Nebbiolo. The bouquet is elegant and layered, revealing red cherry, raspberry and dried rose, intertwined with hints of violet, anise and sweet spice. Subtle notes of tobacco and crushed stone add depth and reflect the vineyard’s limestone rich soils.

On the palate it is medium to full bodied with a beautifully structured frame. Bright red fruit sits at the core, supported by finely etched tannins and vibrant acidity that provide energy and longevity. Layers of dried herbs, leather and discreet oak weave through the mid palate, leading to a long, savoury finish marked by cherry skin and mineral precision. It is Barbaresco of grace and detail rather than weight, yet with the backbone to age.

Pair with braised veal, osso buco, truffle risotto, roasted duck or aged Parmigiano Reggiano. While expressive now with careful decanting, this Albesani Barbaresco will cellar confidently for fifteen to twenty five years, developing complex notes of truffle, dried rose and earthy savoury nuance.