The 2021 Cantina del Pino Barbaresco Albesani is sourced from one of Barbaresco’s most celebrated crus, a south-facing amphitheatre of limestone and marl soils that consistently produces wines of remarkable perfume, finesse and longevity. The Vacca family farms a prized parcel in Albesani, and their traditional approach - long macerations and ageing in large oak casks - allows the vineyard’s character to shine. Widely regarded as one of the estate’s flagship wines, Albesani showcases the elegance and complexity that make this cru one of the jewels of Barbaresco.
The nose is intensely aromatic, revealing rose petal, wild strawberry and red cherry layered with blood orange, anise, dried herbs and crushed stone. The palate is refined yet powerful, combining vibrant red fruit with silky tannins, bright acidity and exceptional mineral tension. Antonio Galloni awarded the wine 97 points, praising its purity, energy and site expression, while Monica Larner of Wine Advocate highlighted its elegance, precision and age-worthiness. The finish is long, savoury and beautifully persistent, unfolding in layers with time in the glass.
Ben’s Recommendation:
A world-class Barbaresco that perfectly captures the grace and perfume of the Albesani vineyard. Elegant, layered and profoundly expressive, it pairs beautifully with truffle pasta, braised veal, roast duck, pigeon, porcini mushrooms and aged hard cheeses. While already captivating with extended decanting, this is a wine built for the cellar and should evolve magnificently through 2045 and beyond.
