Barbaresco, Gallina, Vecchie Viti, Riserva, 2019

Sumptuous, complex and aromatic, with a sculpted, youthful and purposeful bouquet. A wash of present but creamy tannins and dancing fruits with an initially plush feel, are followed by dry stone, earth, herbs and a vivid, mineral finish; the wine as a whole presents as more concentrated and deeper than the more ethereal Albesani. A serious, exceptionally classy wine that will reward a bit of patience. The first vintage of Gallina Riserva was 2015, following the same principle as the Albesani VV i.e. only the most perfect grapes to fill a single cask from a plot of old vines, here planted in the early 1950s. The wine sees a long maceration over 90 days with submerged cap. Aged for three years in cask and three years in bottle before release. Total production is 900 bottles.