Fortemasso
Barolo Castelletto Riserva 2016
| Denomination | DOCG Barolo Riserva |
|---|---|
| Size | 0,75 l |
| Alcohol content | 14.5% by volume |
| Area | Piedmont (Italy) |
| Grape varieties | 100% Nebbiolo |
| Aging | At the end of the maceration, the ageing period in wood begins, lasting on average 40 months. This is followed by bottling and subsequent ageing in the bottle for a further 22 months. |
- Origin and grape: Barolo DOCG Riserva 2016, 100% Nebbiolo from Monforte d’Alba
- Aromatic notes: hints of violet, dried rose, cinnamon, liquorice and sweet tobacco
- Vinification: in steel with daily pump-overs and maceration for 30-45 days
- Prolonged ageing: around 40 months in wood followed by 22 months in bottle
- Serving: 18-20 °C, 2 hours; excellent with game, mature cheeses and dark chocolate
Description
What kind of wine it is
Fortemasso Barolo Castelletto Riserva is a red wine from Piedmont made from Nebbiolo grapes, a true expression of Barolo Riserva. It stands out for its complex aromatic profile, with clear notes of violet, dried rose, cinnamon, liquorice and sweet tobacco. On the palate, it is harmonious and powerful, supported by a well-defined tannic structure and a balanced astringency that accompanies the persistent finish. Its structural elegance pairs beautifully with game dishes, mature cheeses and dark chocolate.
Where it comes from
The grapes are grown in the municipality of Monforte d’Alba, in historic plots located in the renowned Castelletto and Pressenda crus. The vines thrive on the highest part of the hill, between 360 and 450 metres above sea level, enjoying optimal south-eastern exposure. The soils, characterised by the Diano Sandstone and composed of sand, silt and clay, give the wine a solid character and rigorous definition. In this microclimate, the late ripening of Nebbiolo encourages the development of great expressive richness over time.
How it is produced
Production involves a manual harvest. The must ferments at a controlled temperature, with daily pump-overs to gently extract colour and aromas. This is followed by a submerged cap maceration lasting over a month, during which malolactic fermentation takes place. The wine’s structure is refined through ageing in large barrels for around forty months, completed by a long final rest, an essential step to consolidate its perfect gustatory balance.
History and Curiosities
Born in Monforte d’Alba from the renowned crus Castelletto and Pressenda, the Fortemasso Barolo Castelletto Riserva 2016 expresses true Piedmontese nobility. The Nebbiolo grapes, grown on the prized Diano sandstone soils, give the wine a majestic structural richness. Its excellence is shaped through a lengthy ageing process of 40 months in wood and a further 22 months in bottle. Awarded 94 points by Robert Parker, this masterpiece crafted by oenologist Piero Ballario guarantees an extraordinary ageing potential.
Awards
-
2016
93/100
Decanter is a wine and lifestyle magazine, published monthly in around 90 countries. The magazine includes industry news, classic guides and advice on wine and spirits.
-
2016
3This guide is highly respected and offers the most comprehensive review of Italian wines. It has a long tradition and is based on blind tastings carried out by over 100 experts.
-
2016
92/100
James Suckling is an influential American wine critic and journalist who worked at Wine Spectator for 30 years. He left the magazine in 2010 to start his own website and guidebook (JamesSuckling.com). He specialises in Italian and Bordeaux wines.
-
2016
94/100
The prestigious international wine guide from the renowned Robert Parker, the world's most experienced and trusted wine taster.
Tasting notes
Perfume
Color
Taste
Serve at:
18 - 20 °C
Longevity:
10 - 15 years
Decanting time:
2 hours
- Oenologist: Piero Ballario
- Hectares: 5
The main cultivated vines are the traditional ones of the Langhe, Nebbiolo and Barbera in particular. Read more
| Name | Fortemasso Barolo Castelletto Riserva 2016 |
|---|---|
| Type | Red still |
| Denomination | Barolo DOCG |
| Vintage | 2016 |
| Size | 0,75 l |
| Alcohol content | 14.5% by volume |
| Grape varieties | 100% Nebbiolo |
| Country | Italy |
| Region | Piedmont |
| Vendor | Fortemasso |
| Story | History and Curiosities Born in Monforte d’Alba from the renowned crus Castelletto and Pressenda, the Fortemasso Barolo Castelletto Riserva 2016 expresses true Piedmontese nobility. The Nebbiolo grapes, grown on the prized Diano sandstone soils, give the wine a majestic structural richness. Its excellence is shaped through a lengthy ageing process of 40 months in wood and a further 22 months in bottle. Awarded 94 points by Robert Parker, this masterpiece crafted by oenologist Piero Ballario guarantees an extraordinary ageing potential. |
| Origin | Comune di Monforte d’Alba (Cuneo) |
| Soil composition | Diano sandstone composed of sand, silt and clay |
| Plants per hectare | 4.000 |
| Fermentation | On average 30–45 days |
| Production technique | Fermentation in temperature-controlled stainless steel tanks with daily pumping over and submerged cap maceration |
| Wine making | After crushing and destemming, the must ferments in stainless steel tanks at a controlled temperature; through daily pump-overs, aromas and colour are gently extracted from the skins. Maceration begins using the submerged cap technique (on average 30–45 days) to optimise extraction and stabilise the colour; during this phase, malolactic fermentation also takes place. |
| Aging | At the end of the maceration, the ageing period in wood begins, lasting on average 40 months. This is followed by bottling and subsequent ageing in the bottle for a further 22 months. |
| Allergens | Contains sulphites |