For over a decade the lone Italian holdout in our portfolio has been the Fattoria Poggerino, a Chianti Classico producer beloved of many readers. Today we double our Italian roster by introducing Sassi San Cristoforo, a small estate in Barbaresco. Italy still represents a small corner of the Ansonia portfolio, but we think it’ll continue to be a popular one.
Barbaresco is an appellation in the Piedmont region, and along with neighboring Barolo is one of Italy’s best known wines. The grape for both towns is Nebbiolo, a thin skinned varietal capable of tremendous subtlety and elegance, sometimes referred to as the Pinot Noir of Italy. As Burgundy lovers, the expansion to Barbaresco was an easy fit, and we’re thrilled to add something entirely new (and entirely delicious) to our lineup.
Founded in 1997 by Angelo Sassi, the small estate is today run by Davide Carniel, producing just a few hundred cases of Barbaresco annually. Their 2018 Barbaresco is terrific – pure Nebbiolo from an excellent, ripe vintage. The wine ages for two years in barrel, then six months in bottle before release.
This wine is beautifully balanced, with a nose of violets, red cherries, black pepper and anise. The mouth is compact and attractive, with delicate tannins and a refreshing salinity, amid sophisticated and polished wild cherry fruit. The tannins are sturdy but fine, with intricate detail and a lovely, welcoming finish. This has the density to age for another five years easily, but after 30 minutes in a carafe the bottle we enjoyed last week was a delight.
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Sassi San Cristoforo Barbaresco 2018
bottle price: $45