2016 La Spinona ‘Secondine’, Barbaresco Riserva DOCG, Italy

This Barbaresco is produced with Nebbiolo grapes harvested in the central vineyard of the Secondine MGA, characterised by the roughly sixty-year-old vines. The wine is ruby red in colour, tending towards intense garnet as it ages. The bouquet recalls hints of cherry and combines elegance with finesse. It features a well-balanced and fresh flavour with delicate tannins.

GRAPE VARIETY

100% Nebbiolo.

VINEYARD AREA

A 3.5-hectare south-facing vineyard in the town of Barbaresco.

HARVEST

These are the first Nebbiolo grapes to be harvested in early-mid-October. They soon develop tannic sweetness in addition to the alcohol content, thanks to the full-southern exposure of the vineyard and its particular microclimate. The grapes are harvested by hand in perforated baskets, which hold around 18 kg and allow air to pass through the bunches. The pressing is soft. The grapes are then placed on a vibrating roller where they are cleaned of any insects and undergo an initial selection, eliminating the unsuitable fruit. The grapes are subsequently sent via a conveyor belt to the crusher-destemmer, which vibrates to perfectly and delicately separate the stalk from the fruit. The grapes are then softly pressed. Dried grapes and leaves are also eliminated with the stalks. This selection allows for a very clean working method.

FERMENTATION

Natural cold maceration for approximately one day. 8/10 days of fermentation, with automatic punching down in the first few days and pumping over at key stages in the process. Racking and gentle pressing to obtain only the best-quality wine. Natural malolactic fermentation in a temperature-controlled environment (20C).

AGEING

Approximately 9 months in large 25-hectolitre wooden barrels made of Allier oak (the barrels are roughly 15 years old).