Ca' del Baio 'Vallegrande' Viti Vecchie Barbaresco Riserva DOCG 2019

The 2019 Barbaresco Vallegrande VV Riserva comes from one of the highest vineyards in Barbaresco, sitting around 400 metres with a west–southwest exposure that brings real focus and tension to the fruit. Produced since 1988, when the family stopped selling grapes to the Produttori del Barbaresco, it draws on old 1957 plantings and is only made in select years. Fermentation and maceration extend up to 60 days with regular punch-downs early on, before 30 months in large seasoned Slovenian botti and a further year in bottle. The wine opens with lovely fragrances of cinnamon, nutmeg, red cherry and lilac, showing transparency and freshness that flow onto the palate. Beneath the supple fruit lies a firm backbone of chalky tannins, giving intensity without harshness. Balanced and flavourful, it finishes with savoury length and fine harmony — a striking example of Barbaresco from this historic site.