Francone Barbaresco I Patriarchi 2019 - 375ml

90pts Wine Enthusiast

Rather closed, this has a shy nose that eventually reveals suggestions of underbrush, leather and toasted hazelnut. The linear palate is firm and needs time to fully integrate and open up, showing sour cherry, orange zest and Porcini mushroom set against an acidic backbone. Tightly-knit, grainy tannins grip the close. Drink 2029–2039.

James Suckling

Hints of clove, wet earth and iron to the grapefruit and red cherries on the nose. Decadent and austere on the palate with quite chewy tannins and a tightly wound finish. Better give it one more year.

About the Wine

The Barbaresco Docg I Patriarchi is the result of a blend from Nebbiolo grapes grown in the best cru-vineyards in the Neive area. Elegant and full-bodied, it can display a range of aromas perfectly balanced between spices and ripe red fruit - the same harmony of body, pleasant tannin and freshness you can feel in the mouth.

Pair with: Egg-tagliatelle with liver or meat ragu sauce, gnocchi or risotto with Castelmagno or Fontina cheese, braised or roasted meat, game, ripened cheese.

Grape: Nebbiolo