Cigliuti Vie Erte Barbaresco 2021

Cigliuti is a family of growers who have farmed in the Langhe of Piedmont for four generations, and this Barbaresco comes from Vie Erte, one of the crus they own. Barbaresco is made only from Nebbiolo, a late ripening grape prized for its perfume, firm tannin and high acidity. The calcareous marl soils of the Langhe and the hillside exposure of the cru give the wine its structure and its savoury, mineral character, while the cool autumns of the region let the grape ripen slowly and hold its bright acidity and delicate aromatics. The wine spends twenty four months in oak, the long wood ageing that Nebbiolo needs to soften its tannins and develop the tertiary tones of leather and dried herbs alongside the fruit. The colour is a pale, garnet tinged ruby typical of the grape. The nose is classic Nebbiolo, with cherry, dried rose, tar and a savoury note of leather and liquorice, and the palate is full bodied with high acidity and firm, fine tannins that carry a long, savoury finish. Serve at 16 to 18 degrees, decanted for an hour. Good with rich meats, game and truffle dishes.