Barbaresco MONTEFICO 2017

93 Points James Suckling – Classic, Lean and Elegant Single-Cru Barbaresco MONTEFICO 2017, Now Entering Its Peak Drinking Window!

Carlo Giacosa Barbaresco MONTEFICO 2017 is a serious single-cru expression of Nebbiolo from one of Barbaresco's most historic and prestigious vineyards, located east of the village and planted exclusively with Nebbiolo. The southeast-facing vineyard sits at approximately 250 metres elevation, with vines averaging more than 50 years of age. Its calcareous-clay soils, rich in marl, contribute freshness and minerality, while the presence of wild mint in the vineyard is reflected in the wine's distinctive mentholated character.

The 2017 displays an elegant yet wonderfully complex bouquet of rose petals, dried flowers, ripe cherry and cranberry, complemented by liquorice, baking spice, tobacco and subtle botanical and camphor notes. On the palate, it is dry, focused and beautifully structured, with vibrant acidity, concentrated red fruit and fine-grained, firm yet increasingly integrated tannins. The combination of floral perfume, mineral freshness and savoury spice gives the wine remarkable precision, elegance and persistence.

Unlike richer, more powerful expressions of Barbaresco, MONTEFICO stands out for its classical, leaner style, remarkable finesse and mineral freshness. Professional tastings of the 2017 have highlighted its energy and aromatic complexity, with notes of candied cherry, dried rose, cranberry, dried apricot and tobacco.

International Recognition – Outstanding Ratings for MONTEFICO 2017!

This exceptional single-vineyard Barbaresco has attracted impressive recognition from international wine critics:

• 93 points – James Suckling

• 92 points – Wine Spectator

• 92 points – Decanter

• 4.1/5 – Vivino community rating

Decanter praised its sweet raspberry aromas, subtle savoury bacon notes and sleek, charming palate. These ratings reflect the outstanding quality and elegant character of the 2017 vintage.

The grapes are destemmed and fermented on their skins in temperature-controlled stainless-steel tanks, before being transferred to large oak barrels for maturation. This traditional approach avoids excessive oak influence and allows the distinctive character of Montefico and Nebbiolo to remain at the forefront. The result is a wine combining floral elegance, fine tannins and remarkable structural precision.

Now entering its peak drinking window! At nine years old in 2026, MONTEFICO 2017 should be approaching a particularly rewarding stage of maturity. Its youthful red-fruit character is developing towards the sophisticated tertiary aromas that make mature Nebbiolo so compelling: dried roses, tobacco, leather, forest floor, liquorice and balsamic spice. The once-firm tannins should be gradually softening, while the wine's naturally vibrant acidity continues to preserve freshness and energy.

MONTEFICO 2017 is a classic, refined and age-worthy Barbaresco, now available at 20% OFF! For lovers of elegant, traditional Piedmontese wines, it offers an excellent opportunity to enjoy a highly rated single-cru Nebbiolo as it enters maturity. Well-stored bottles should be particularly rewarding now, with potential for further development through approximately 2032–2035.

An exceptional partner for white truffles, porcini risotto, roast duck, braised lamb, game, Piedmontese pasta dishes and mature cheeses.