2021 Cigliuti Barbaresco Vie Erte, Piedmont

The 2021 Barbaresco Bricco di Neive Vie Erte is superb. Bright red cherry fruit, chalk, mint, white pepper and crushed rocks all race out of the glass. This vibrant, sinewy Barbaresco has so much to offer. Its energy is remarkable. The intensely palate-staining mineral finish is a thing of beauty. All the 2021 needs is time. This is super-classic Nebbiolo from Barbaresco.

94+ points vinous.com

Perched high on the slopes above the village of Neive, the Cigliuti family has quietly built a reputation for producing some of the most elegant and authentic Barbaresco wines in Piedmont. The estate was established in the 1960s by Alfredo Cigliuti, who recognised the potential of the Serraboella and Vie Erte vineyards long before they became widely celebrated. Today the winery is run by his daughters Claudia and Silvia Cigliuti, who continue the family philosophy of careful vineyard work and traditional winemaking that allows Nebbiolo to express the character of the site.

Vie Erte sits on steep hillsides with calcareous marl soils that bring both structure and aromatic lift to the wine. The colour shows a luminous garnet hue typical of Nebbiolo. Aromas open with rose petal, red cherry and wild strawberry layered with hints of orange peel, dried herbs and gentle spice. As the wine develops further notes of liquorice, earth and subtle truffle begin to appear. The palate is finely structured with firm yet polished tannins carrying flavours of sour cherry, cranberry and savoury spice across a graceful frame. Bright acidity gives the wine energy and precision, leading to a long elegant finish that reflects the finesse of Neive grown Barbaresco.

It will reward patience in the cellar over the next fifteen to twenty years and is excellent with slow braised beef, duck dishes or classic northern Italian cooking.