Freddy R. Troya

9.1

Fontanabianca – Barbaresco DOCG 2021
Piedmont, Italy 🇮🇹

Overview
A classic Nebbiolo expression from the Barbaresco DOCG, one of Italy’s most revered appellations alongside Barolo. Fontanabianca has built a reputation for crafting wines that balance power and elegance, showing both the perfume and structure Nebbiolo is known for. The 2021 vintage was widely praised in Piedmont for its precision and freshness.

Aromas & Flavors
Lifted aromas of rose petal, violets, and red cherry are joined by notes of cranberry, licorice, tar, and sweet spices. On the palate, flavors of sour cherry, wild strawberry, and dried herbs interplay with hints of tobacco and anise, all carried by lively acidity.

Mouthfeel
Medium to full-bodied, with firm but polished tannins typical of young Nebbiolo. Bright acidity drives the wine forward, finishing long with a chalky, mineral edge. Youthful yet already graceful, this wine will only improve with time.

Winemaking Notes
Aged traditionally in large oak casks to preserve Nebbiolo’s aromatic purity and regional typicity. The DOCG classification ensures rigorous production standards, reflecting Barbaresco’s unique calcareous soils and cooler microclimate.

Food Pairing
Pairs beautifully with truffle risotto, braised veal shank (osso buco), aged cheeses, or wild mushroom dishes. Its tannic backbone also makes it a natural partner for hearty meat ragùs.

Verdict
A beautifully poised Barbaresco that showcases the finesse of the 2021 vintage: floral, vibrant, and structured. Drink now with decanting, or cellar for a decade to unlock its full complexity.

Personal Pick Highlight
One of my favorite Barbarescos — it hits that sweet spot of approachability and age-worthiness, offering both immediate pleasure and serious pedigree without the often-intimidating weight of Barolo. A benchmark wine that I’d gladly revisit again and again. — a month ago

Sam Brenner

9.2

Happy Valentine's Day! Light texture, BIG flavor. As our waitress put it, "this is a sexy wine." — 12 years ago

Mark S.

9.0

Oak. Vanilla. Cherry, black currant. Fig. Earthy. Wooden derived spices. Acidic. Tannic. 30min, good to drink!! CP good. FONTANABIANCA LANGHE DOC NEBBIOLO 22 @2336, Felicit, 250329-250330 — 7 months ago

Meg Herring

9.1

Much better on day 2 and best on day 3. Clearly needs more time to age. But it’s a pretty wine and will be a stunner! — 5 years ago

Alberto Cdm

9.2

2016 ottima! — 6 years ago

Francesco Pasquino

9.7

Comprato esselunga, sabato a Milano ❤️ — 12 years ago

with Greta

Mike Holzer

9.1

Not sure where I got this one but 13 yr old barberesco drinking within its window. Delicious. Perfectly balanced acid/tannin/fruit with more dark fruit than red. Tart plum with rose tar. Very nice. Mid palate a bit bitter but love the front and back end. Goes on and on. — 3 years ago

with Ania

R Parreira

9.2

21 years old and still full of fruit on the palate. Good mouthfeel, no harsh tannins and full bodied. An easy quaff. — 6 years ago

Cynthia Gutierrez

9.4

Dried flowers and figs . Ripe soft tannins. Yummmmm! — 8 years ago