Barbaresco, Gallina, Neive, 2016
A steep sandy vineyard with yellower soils compared to Faset and Albesani. Sandy like Asili but with much less limestone, so you get a more blood orange tone to the wine. A plot of 0.5ha of 40-50 year old vines. Open, sweet spice, and red fruit characteristics that are engaging, seductive and textured yet with the right balance of energy and freshness. Generous but with poise. 14.5% 4,000 bottles were made.
critic reviews
The 2016 Barbaresco Gallina is a gorgeous wine full of the classic, youthful austerity that is such a signature of the house style. Deceptive in its light to medium-bodied feel, the Gallina offers up striking Nebbiolo aromatics redolent of crushed red berry fruit, spice, mint and rose petal. Nervy tannins lend energy and drive. The translucent beauty of Nebbiolo is so alluring. What a great start to this tasting.
product details
“A stress free vintage” according to Luca, 2016 was a year marked by cool spring and early summer temperatures; a typically warm and dry July; cooler than average August and a September of hot, sunny days and cool nights, culminating in a typical October harvest of warmth, sunshine and cool nights. The grapes were healthy and offered good levels of tannins, acidity and potential alcohol. The season has played its part in producing an exceptional vintage, and, along with the investment Luca has made in both cellars (most notably two brand new, top of the range, de-stemmers) and his continued rigour in the vineyards, has made for another huge step-change in quality here.