Fletcher Barbaresco Faset 2020
David's journey into winemaking began with a deep addiction to Nebbiolo, the noble grape of the region. Originally from Australia, he found himself drawn to the hills of Barbaresco, where he now resides. With an uncontrollable passion for winemaking, David started his journey in 2006, and it has taken him on an extraordinary path of discovery and growth. From the humble beginnings of producing Barolo and Barbaresco, David's portfolio has expanded to include seven wines crafted from twelve different vineyard sites. Even an expression of Australian Nebbiolo finds its place among his creations. The production remains small, limited to approximately 12,000 bottles, mostly allocated to those fortunate enough to experience the wines. What sets Fletcher Wines apart is the freedom to play and deconstruct tradition. David's lack of legacy allows him to push boundaries and explore new possibilities. Constantly on the search for great vineyards, he combines learned techniques from his global experiences in winemaking, injecting his own unique twists and turns into the process. In the vineyards, David prioritizes sustainability and biodiversity, with 50% of the vineyards certified organic and the other half under conversion. As a believer in biodynamic practices, he works for one of the biggest biodynamic producers in Barolo and Barbaresco. David strives for better vineyard health, lower environmental impact, and aims to counterbalance the monoculture prevalent in the Langhe region. To offset the land used for grape production, he takes ownership of equivalent areas in forests, swamps and grasslands rich in biodiversity. The winemaking process at Fletcher Wines is a delicate dance of tradition and innovation. The grapes are 100% destemmed and undergo an open fermentation, without any post-ferment soak. To add complexity and depth, the wine is aged in old oak barrels, over 10 years old, with a capacity of 300 litters. This aging process takes place for 24 months, far exceeding the legal minimum of 12 months, ensuring that the wine reaches its full potential. After this barrel aging, the wine spends an additional 3 months in the bottle before being released. In 2019, Fletcher Wines sourced their grapes from three distinct Cru vineyards, each contributing its own character to the final blend. The wine is composed of 50% grapes from the Roncaglie Cru, 30% from Starderi and 20% from Ronchi. The three Cru vineyards contribute distinctive characteristics to the final wine. Roncaglie, picked significantly later than Starderi, offers dark fruits and a more masculine tannin structure. Its south-west facing position and ferrous soils create a longer hang time for the grapes. Starderi, with its south-facing orientation and calcareous soils, adds elegance, spice, and a red berry profile to the blend. Ronchi, a new addition in 2019, brings a touch of freshness to the wine with its cooler east-facing vineyard location.
Faset is a renowned winery located in the Piedmont region of Italy. The winery is known for producing high-quality Barbaresco wines that are highly sought after by wine enthusiasts and collectors. Faset's vineyards are situated in the heart of the Barbaresco DOCG appellation, which is known for producing some of the finest Nebbiolo grapes in the world. The winery's vineyards are carefully tended to ensure the highest quality grapes, which are then hand-harvested and carefully sorted to ensure only the best grapes are used in the winemaking process. Faset's wines are aged for several years in oak barrels to ensure a deep, rich flavour profile that is characteristic of the Barbaresco appellation. The winery's signature Barbaresco is a full-bodied red wine with notes of dark fruit, leather and spice. The wine is known for its smooth tannins and long, lingering finish.
The Fletcher Barbaresco Faset 2020 is a true testament to the quality of Barbaresco wines. On the nose, one can detect the aroma of dried fruit, with just a touch of tobacco, that is complemented by the subtle notes of minerals and currant jam. As the wine opens up, just a hint of vanilla can be detected in the background. On the palate, this wine is rustic yet refined, with a medium body that is perfectly balanced. The vibrant, pure core of red fruits maintains a pleasant sweetness, which is balanced by earthy notes of cedar, tobacco and herbs. The tannins are firm yet well integrated, providing a structure that allows the fruit to express itself fully. The overall purity and completeness of this wine is evident, with a long, lingering finish that leaves the palate wanting more. With a few years in the bottle, the tannins will soften and allow even more expressive qualities to emerge. The Fletcher Barbaresco Faset 2020 is a wine that truly captures the essence of the Barbaresco appellation.
The Finer Details
Style - Red Wine
Varietal - Nebbiolo
Country - Italy
Region - Barbaresco
Vintage - 2020
Bottle Size - 750ml
ABV - 14.5%