Why do we love it?
We have just received the Bricco Roche Barbera Nizza Riserva DOCG 2018 from Tenuta il Falchetto. This wine has been receiving rave reviews from critics for several years, with the 2017 and 2015 vintages being particularly exemplary. In 2017, vintages 2015 was named one of the 20 best wines in the world by Decanter! The 2018 vintage has already begun to attract attention as well...
The Tenuta il Falchetto winery began its impressive journey in 1940 in the Cuneo region, and it is backed by the renowned Forno family. The reputation of their wines has far exceeded Italy’s borders, and they consistently appear on lists of the best Italian wines, and even the best in the world.
The Nizza region is one of the most important areas for high-quality Barbera wines. It is a small "village" with limited production, yet it has achieved its own DOCG designation. The regulations and conditions for wines from this region are significantly stricter than those for Asti and Alba. This results in wines with outstanding concentration, structure, and excellent aging potential. The Bricco Roche Barbera Nizza Riserva DOCG 2018 from Tenuta il Falchetto exemplifies this, having aged for 30 months in French barriques, well-preparing it for a long aging process!
You might have thought Barbera was merely the lesser cousin of King Nebbiolo, but one sip of this wine will change your perspective completely! After all, every king needs his queen, don't you think?
Tastes Like
It has a deep ruby color and an intoxicating nose. Aromas of black cherry, sour cherry, cassis, and plum are combined with notes of vanilla, violet, cedar, toffee, coffee, and pepper.
In the mouth, it has a rich body, which is almost chewy, sharp acidity, and high but ripe tannins. Juicy ripe black fruits, sweet spices, dried herbs, tea leaves, coffee, and cocoa fill-up the mouth in every sip.