The 2023 Fletcher Barbaresco Ronchi DOCG is a beautifully refined single-vineyard Nebbiolo from the Ronchi cru in Barbaresco, a site that David Fletcher has carefully nurtured since 2020 before releasing it under its own label. Situated on an east-facing slope that enjoys the gentle morning sun, Ronchi ripens slowly, producing fruit of remarkable precision, fragrance and finesse. The wine is fermented with 100% destemmed fruit in open fermenters before maturing for 24 months in seasoned 300-litre French oak barrels and a further three months in bottle, allowing the vineyard's unique character to shine. The nose is intensely aromatic, revealing wild strawberry, red cherry and cranberry layered with rose petals, orange peel, dried herbs, sweet spice and subtle earthy notes, creating a wine of remarkable elegance and purity.
On the palate, it is medium-bodied with Nebbiolo's signature fine, chalky tannins and vibrant natural acidity providing exceptional precision and energy. Bright red berry fruit is complemented by savoury herbs, delicate liquorice, crushed stone and a finely etched mineral backbone, leading to a long, graceful finish with outstanding balance and persistence. More elegant and finely detailed than powerful, this is a sophisticated Barbaresco that beautifully captures the finesse of the Ronchi cru while offering excellent cellaring potential.
Ben’s Recommendation:
The 2023 Fletcher Barbaresco Ronchi DOCG is an elegant, site-driven Nebbiolo that rewards both patience and careful food pairing. Enjoy it with braised veal, osso buco, truffle pasta, wild mushroom risotto, roast duck or aged Parmigiano Reggiano. Drink now with a generous decant, or cellar confidently through 2042+.
