2020 Barbaresco Giacone Marne Bianche, Cascina Alberta

From Barbaresco`s Giacone sub-region, the Nebbiolo vines for Marne Bianche lie on white tuff soils at the top of the hill, being the property`s oldest plot (vine age averaging 40 years). This aged for 12 months in large, old Slavonian oak barrels before spending a second year in small ceramic eggs (known as Clayver) – the aim being to maintain purity of terroir expression, not overwhelming it by extensive oak ageing. Pale ruby-garnet colour, aromas are intense and expressive, with complex notes of pure red berries, rose and violet, alongside earthier hints of leather and tobacco. Palate is full and luscious, having a rich, juicy core of concentrated flavours. The texture is beautifully supple, having a marked-but-balanced tannic structure and excellent length (for drinking 2024-2029+).