2021 Olek Bondonio La Berchialla Starderi, Barbaresco DOCG, Italy

Organic, some biodynamic practices. 100% Nebbiolo from Starderi, from the northernmost commune of Neive: a small parcel of 40 year-old vines Olek is lucky enough to rent from an older couple who can no longer tend its steep slopes. Fermented in concrete with two months on the skins (submerged cap), then pressed off and moved to large botti for longer levage (usually two years). Unfined, unfiltered, with moderate amounts of SO2 (10-20ppm max) added just before bottling. The soils in Starderi are a little softer, more clay, less intense marl; the site is also less exposed than elsewhere in the region. As a result this is a wine thats expressive in its youth, with refreshing acidity and gentler tannins. Dont let its aromatic openness fool you, though: it has a long life ahead.

-Importer’s note