The 2020 Barbaresco is a blend of three parcels in Neive: Albesani, Serraboella and Starderi. Of these vineyards, Albesani is the best known and is covered in more detail below. Serraboella, which accounts for the lion’s share of the blend, is one of the most highly regarded sites in the eastern sector of Neive. Massolino’s vines lie on the preferred southwest-facing hill, on light soils, overlooking the village. Finally, Starderi lies on the western side of Neive. It’s a sunnier terroir that brings power and flesh to the blend.
The winemaking hardly differs from the Barolo wines. Fermentation is natural and takes place in large oak fermenters. The 2020 saw about 12-15 days on skins before aging in large, 5,000-litre Slavonian oak barrels for 18 months. A beautiful wine that for us is a big step up on the 2019. Pure class.