Barbaresco, Albesani-Borgese, 2019

Albesani is one of Neive’s flagship vineyards. Vigna Borghese is a sub-plot just in front of the Busso cellar which plays home to the estate’s oldest vines. Today the average vine age across their Albesani holdings works out at fifty years old, an impressive figure that makes its presence felt in the wine. Edgier and more vital, the 2019 sees a complex intermingling of both red and dark fruits, more berries than currants; blueberries, strawberry, cherry stones – all cut in crystal. On the finish, customary touches of balsamic and spice give a grown-up concentrated feel with a smooth tannic undertow and fine, shimmering acidity. A southwest facing vineyard of 280 metres planted on sandy white limestone soils. Ageing is in 25 hl casks for 26 months.