Barbaresco Faset Duesoli - 2018
Piercarlo Culasso
- Region
- Italy 禄 Piedmont 禄 Barbaresco DOCG
- Type
- red still, dry
- Producer
- Piercarlo Culasso
- Vintage
- 2018
- Grapes
- Nebbiolo
- Alcohol
- 14.5
- Volume
- 750 mL
- Cellar
- 6 bottles
Duesoli is a distinguished Nebbiolo wine that captures the essence of its unique vineyard location in the Faset cru within the renowned municipality of Barbaresco. The vineyard's name, Duesoli, is inspired by its remarkable geographical setting. Perched on a steep slope with a south-western exposure, the vineyard overlooks the serene Tanaro River. In the evenings, as the sun sets, its rays descend towards the horizon and reflect off the river's surface. This creates a distinctive double illumination that bathes the vine rows in a reflected glow, contributing to the distinctiveness and intensity of the wine.
Situated at an altitude of 250 meters above sea level, the Duesoli vineyard benefits from an ideal south and south-west facing exposure, which is crucial for the Nebbiolo grape's development. The unique microclimate and terroir of this region play a significant role in shaping the character of the wine.
The winemaking process for Duesoli is carried out with care. The Nebbiolo grapes undergo fermentation in stainless steel containers for about 15 to 20 days under strictly controlled temperatures. This is followed by a soft pressing and racking, after which the wine is transferred to wooden barrels for further maturation. The wine is aged for approximately twenty-four months in French oak barriques, which have been used several times (various passages). This aging process in barriques imparts depth and complexity to the wine, enhancing its flavor profile.
The first vintage of Duesoli was produced in 2017.
Ratings
The wine's high quality was immediately apparent from just a sniff. It boasts a complex and multilayered bouquet, rich with the aromas of sour cherry, red flowers, underbrush, mushrooms, and a variety of spices, all subtly accented by dark chocolate crumbles. The balance in this wine is exceptional, with each element harmoniously complementing the others. Despite its 14.5% alcohol by volume, the alcohol content doesn't overpower the wine's character. It has a pleasing fullness, marked by delicacy and persistence on the palate. Overall, it's a truly gorgeous wine that impresses right from the first encounter.
A warm, perfumed embrace of sour cherry, red flowers, and raspberry yogurt welcomes the senses, with gentle touch of milk chocolate, baking spices, and mushrooms adding depth. The narrative is soft-spoken yet profound. Tannin, though assertive, is well-integrated, melding into a medium-bodied and fresh silhouette. The fruit quality stand out, pure and eloquent. Almost perfectly balanced. A long, thoughtful aftertaste lingers, embodying complexity, charm, and a delightful essence.
This wine unveils its layers over the evening, asking for nothing but time and appreciation. Three hours of undisturbed communion, a self-sufficient companion for a reflective evening.
Piercarlo Culasso
Established in 2017, the family-run winery embarked on its vinification journey with a focus on crafting wines from the Nebbiolo grapes sourced from their own vineyards located in the sub-zone of Faset. The roots of winemaking run deep in the family, tracing back to the 1970s when Piercarlo's father, Dante, engaged in wine production. Piercarlo joined the family venture in 2000, dedicating several years to meticulously cultivating the vineyards. With each passing year, his expertise flourished, leading to a significant reduction in the use of chemicals in the vineyards. He used various types of green manure between the rows, tailored to the soil composition, focused on thinning practices, and took measures to prevent excessive sun exposure to the grape clusters.
The enduring objective in the vineyard has been to harvest mature yet still fresh, crisp, and uncooked clusters. In 2017, Piercarlo reignited the winemaking process, backed by the unwavering support of his family. The wines produced are a testament to the legacy of old vineyards and time-honoured traditions, passed down from father to son, resonating with the essence of their lineage.
In the winery, innovations have been embraced to yield clean, flawless wines, avoiding any excessive interventions. This approach ensures that each glass of wine embodies the clearest possible expression of that particular vintage. Recognizing that every vintage is distinct, with its own set of characteristics, it's pivotal to discern these nuances in the glass and comprehend how the grapes reacted to varying conditions presented throughout the season. Through a blend of ancestral wisdom and modern innovation, Piercarlo Culasso strives to encapsulate the purest expression of their terroir and the resilient Nebbiolo grape in every bottle crafted.