2022 Barbaresco, Montestefano, Luigi Giordano, Piedmont, Italy

This is often compared to Matteo’s Asili but should not be seen as power vs. elegance. Rather, Montestefano offers the most rounded drinking experience. This is the only Barbaresco in the range where submerged cap maceration is used, as the fruit is naturally suited to this technique, adding an extra level of complexity and, with time, velvet tannins. The nose is endlessly complex, with vivid dried fruit, rose petal, violet, and wild herbs. The palate is perfectly poised, with moments of sweet, generous fruit combined with coiled energy. This might be slightly less well known than Asili but was the first individually labeled Barbaresco cru in 1961.

Berry Bros. & Rudd