Barbera D' Alba Elena 2006

The Fenocchio’s farm sits amongst the most prized vineyards in Barbaresco. If fact, they hold a plot adjacent to Angelo Gaja’s and sell some of their fruit to Bruno Giacosa. What sets the Fenocchios’ apart from both Angelo and Bruno, is their commitment to do everything in the vineyard themselves and always by hand.

Tasting Note:
Named after Renato’s youngest daughter Elena, this Barbera is big and rich with luscious berry fruit and hints of mocha and leather. It is showing its balance beautifully with vibrant acid and and ripe round tannin.

Vintage Report:
The 2006 summer was hot and dry. While August was unusually cool the heat returned and persisted deep into September, Despite a heavy rainfall before harvest there was very few problems with rot in the region. For Barbera it was a year of complexity and balance with wines will develop nicely with age.

Terroir: Alba - Langhe - Piedmonte
Alba experiences severe winters but the growing season is long. Fogs roll in toward the harvest to ensure cool nights and good acid balance in the maturing fruit. The hills around Alba are home to the Barolo and Barbaresco appellations as well as the fabled white truffle.

Grape Variety: Barbera
Barbera can produce marvelous wines that can be every bit as complex, rich and age worthy as nebbiolo, especially when grown on the calcareous clay soils around Alba. Typically barbera exhibits ripe red berries and black currant flavors with naturally high acidity. Good examples add a attractive smokiness and earthiness found in many red wines from northern Italy.