2021 Cantina del Pino Barbaresco Albesani, Piedmont

This Barbaresco balances accessibility with sophistication. Red cherries and wild strawberries mingle with dried roses and forest herbs, while hints of leather and earth add savory depth. Fine tannins provide subtle grip, while a tart raspberry finish adds freshness and tension. It's approachable now but has the structure and balance to evolve beautifully in the cellar. Drink Now - 2045

93 points Jeff Porter Wine Enthusiast
 
 The Vacca family has been living and working the vines at Cantina del Pino, one of the oldest estates in Barbaresco, since the 1920s when Giuseppe Vacca, bought the property. Branching out from the legendary Produttori del Barbaresco Cooperative, Renato Vacca (the great grandson of Giuseppe Vacca) convinced his father, Adriano, to start their own label in 1997. In 2013, Renato's wife Franca joined the winery, and took over winemaking when Renato sadly passed in 2020. This spent 2 years in older wood, bottled without filtration, and spent 1 year in bottle prior to release. Kirsch, balsam, and scrubby herbs light up the nose and carry through the medium bodied palate, woven with wild cherry, wild raspberry, plum, scrubby herbs and cracked white pepper. Tannins are ample and sticky, but well integrated into the fruit. Great energy and form now, and with time ahead. Give this time to open in the glass.

93 points Gismondi On Wine

Albesani is one of Barbaresco's most revered crus, producing Nebbiolo of remarkable perfume, finesse and longevity. Few families know this historic vineyard better than the Vaccas of Cantina del Pino. The estate traces its roots to the pioneering days of Barbaresco, when Renato Vacca's father helped establish the region's reputation through his work with Produttori del Barbaresco. Today, Renato and his family craft some of Piedmont's most authentic wines, combining traditional methods with an unwavering commitment to vineyard expression.

Located in the commune of Barbaresco itself, Albesani enjoys a prized south facing exposure and calcareous marl soils that consistently produce wines of elegance and complexity. The exceptional 2021 vintage delivered fruit with outstanding balance, allowing the vineyard's distinctive character to shine through. Long fermentations and maturation in large oak casks preserve the purity of Nebbiolo while building the structure required for graceful ageing.

Bright garnet red in colour, the bouquet is captivating from the first swirl. Aromas of rose petal, red cherry and raspberry mingle with blood orange, violet and sweet spice. As the wine unfolds, layers of tobacco leaf, dried herbs, anise and forest floor emerge, adding depth and intrigue. The palate is finely detailed and beautifully structured, offering vibrant red fruits wrapped around silky yet persistent tannins. Fresh acidity provides lift and precision, while the finish unfolds slowly with notes of cherry, truffle, spice and floral perfume that linger long after the wine has left the glass.

This is classic Barbaresco for the table. Pair it with truffle risotto, braised veal shanks, duck ragù with pappardelle, porcini mushroom dishes or aged Parmigiano Reggiano. Although approachable with careful decanting, Albesani is built for the cellar and will continue to evolve magnificently over the next fifteen to twenty years.