The Giacomo Fenocchio family winery has existed in Monforte d'Alba in the province of Cuneo in the heart of the Barolo wine-growing region since 1864 and has dedicated itself entirely to the production of Italy's most famous wine. The winery is spread over approximately 14 hectares and includes some of the best vineyards in the region, including the famous Bussia, Villero and Cannubi vineyards. The vineyards are located on the hills surrounding the village of Barolo, where they benefit from calcareous soils and a mild climate. At present, the business is run by the humble character Claudio Fenocchio, who likes to call himself a "craftsman" of viticulture.
The Nebbiolo grapes for the Barolo Bussia DOCG come exclusively from the south-west-facing hillside Bussia in Monforte d'Alba, with the approximately 300-hectare Bussia hill being one of the most famous and best locations for the production of Barolo wine. In the hilly area of ??so-called Elveziano soils with sediments of clay and limestone rich in iron, the vines find ideal conditions at an average altitude of 300m above sea level. The Nebbiolo grape has a long history in the Alba area. Compared to the annual growth cycle of other Piedmontese grape varieties, Nebbiolo is one of the first varieties to emerge and the last variety to mature. The harvest usually takes place at the end of October. Because an intense fog often covers the region during harvest, it is likely that the name Nebbiolo derives from the Italian word nebbia or the Piedmontese word nebia, meaning "fog".
The manual harvest of the grapes takes place in the first half of October. Then there is a long maceration for forty days, which is a conservative method of Barolo production and is a unique selling point of Claudio Fenocchio. The subsequent fermentation without the addition of yeasts in stainless steel tanks lasts thirty days. Now the long aging process begins for six months in stainless steel tanks. Here the wine comes to rest and begins to develop its aromas. Giacomo Fenocchio's Barolo Bussia gets its unique character from the long storage for thirty months in large Slovenian oak barrels.
The colour of Barolo Bussia is deep garnet red, and the bouquet is delicate and pleasant, with intense aromas of spicy rose and liquorice. The taste of this jewel of Italian viticulture is dry, warm, full-bodied, and balanced with pronounced tannins and a lingering aftertaste. A wine particularly well suited to aging.
With its structure and body, this Barolo Bussia goes well with meat dishes, game, and mature cheeses at an optimal drinking temperature of around 17 to 18°C. For a vegetarian option, the Barolo can be paired beautifully with a risotto with truffles or mushrooms. But also "just like that" - as a contemplation wine - and without eating anything, this first-class wine is able to delight your taste buds.
General properties
- Vintage: 2018
- Ageing: Trocken
- Country: Italy
- Region: Piedmont
- Volume: 0,75 liters
