Barbaresco Montefico (Bric Mentina) La Ca Nova 2015/16

Barbaresco Montefico (also called Bric Mentina) La Ca Nova, old Barbaresco, old barrels, medium yields, finesse and style, for traditionalists. Montefico is the first of Ca Nova's cru wines and is the most exuberant and fleshy with plenty of fruit driven energy and richness. The nose is lavish and opulent with tar and delicate flowers over deep red fruits and damson. A single vineyard expression of fine Nebbiolo with everything one would expect from this noble variety. The Rocca's really know about Nebbiolo, as Grandfather Rocca told me when i met him several years ago. Whilst chatting and looking across the road to Angelo Gaja's estate, he quietly said 'i taught him everything he knows!' Classic and delicious wines.

Up on a ridge above the town of Barbaresco in Piemonte, three brothers Pietro, Giulio and Franco Rocca preside over 12 hectares of ancient vineyards. They produce some of the best and most authentic Barbaresco available, as well as producing Dolcetto and Barbera, among other local varieties. The vines are cultivated with the upmost respect for tradition, with careful selection of the grapes that go into the wine, and no chemical treatment on the vineyard. Although their cellar has been modernised to take advantage of the latest winemaking technology, it is still housed deep underground so as to take advantage of the natural cool and stable environment.