Fletcher Recta Pete Barbaresco 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.
Recta Pete, meaning 'shoot straight', pays homage to David's Scottish family heritage as former arrow makers and his original vision of crafting Barbaresco. This exceptional wine is meticulously sourced from 100% Cru vineyards. Inspired by the Burgundy model (though not identical), David ingeniously blends the three Crus, resulting in a 'simple' Barbaresco DOCG. Every drop in this bottling hails exclusively from Cru classified vineyards. Barbaresco, a distinguished red wine from Italy's Piedmont region, is renowned for its unrivalled elegance and sophistication. Crafted from the Nebbiolo grape, it captivates the palate with a symphony of flavors, including luscious cherry, enticing raspberry, delicate liquorice and enchanting earthy undertones. Barbaresco undergoes a meticulous aging process, maturing for a minimum of two years in oak barrels and an additional year in the bottle. This patient craftsmanship imbues the wine with depth, complexity, and a refined character that captivates wine enthusiasts worldwide.
The Fletcher Recta Pete Barbaresco 2020 is a captivating wine that showcases the essence of the prestigious Barbaresco region. Crafted from a blend of carefully selected Cru vineyards, this wine exemplifies the artistry and dedication of winemaking. In the glass, it reveals a deep and alluring ruby red colour, hinting at the richness that awaits. On the nose, enticing aromas of ripe red fruits, such as cherry and raspberry, intertwine with delicate floral notes, adding a touch of elegance. Subtle hints of spices, like liquorice and clove, further enhance the aromatic bouquet, creating an inviting and complex experience. Upon the first sip, the Fletcher Recta Pete Barbaresco 2020 impresses with its harmonious balance and structure. The flavors of cherry and raspberry take centre stage, accompanied by nuances of dried herbs and earthy undertones. The wine's well-integrated tannins provide a velvety texture that glides effortlessly across the palate, while the vibrant acidity adds freshness and lift. As the wine lingers, it leaves a lasting impression, showcasing its remarkable finesse and depth. The Fletcher Recta Pete Barbaresco 2020 is a wine that demands attention and rewards those who appreciate its complexity. With its exceptional aging potential, it promises to evolve and develop further with time, revealing even greater layers of flavour and complexity.
The Finer Details
Style - Red Wine
Varietal - Nebbiolo
Country - Italy
Region - Barbaresco
Vintage - 2020
Bottle Size - 750ml
ABV - 14.5%