This wine has the same characteristics of Brunello but with an easier approach. The grapes of Sangiovese come from the younger vineyards which produce aromatic and elegant wines with a medium body. It is the ideal every day companion for family meals.
Grapes Sangiovese 100%.
Vineyards Property of Fattoria dei Barbi, located in the district of Montalcino and registered for Brunello di Montalcino production. Soil: marl, shale. Altitude: 400-450 mt slm. Average Age: 12 years. Orientation: East – South East. Vine Training System: Cordone libero. Vine Stock per Hectar: 5.000. Yield per Hectar: 90 ql.
The Year 2018 The beginning of the season was characterized by a mild January and a colder February with northern winds. Both months were marked by abundant rains and occasionally by snow, which was helpful for the water supply. The Spring was still very rainy with temperatures higher than average. The Summer was dryer and very hot in the second half of August. A few thunderstorms at the beginning of September refreshed the temperature and helped the grapes to reach a good and balanced maturation, even if anticipated.
The harvest took place from September 17th until the 29th.
Vinification Before the regular fermentation the grapes were subjected to a cold prefermentative maceration which consists in cooling the grapes at a temperature of 16°C. This process increases colour stability and improves extraction of polyphenols and aroma compounds. The alcoholic fermentation lasted 12/13 days at a controlled temperature of 29°-30°C. This wine had about 6 months of refinement in small/medium oak barrels and stainless steel vats.
Chemical analysis Alcohol 14.1% – Tot. Ac. 5.0 g/l – Vol. Ac. 0.49 g/l – Residual sugars < 1.5 g/l – Dry Extract 29.3 g/l.
Sensory analysis Colour: ruby red of medium intensity. Bouquet: black cherry and raspberry. Hints of mint, dog rose and pomegranate. Taste: immediately soft and long, velvety tannins. Nuances of red berries and sour cherry in the aftertaste.
Food Combination It is the perfect complement for roasted and grilled meat (both beef and white meat), cheeses and casserole dishes.
Serving Temperature 18°C.
Capacity of Ageing 4-5 years.
Conservation and Storage Keep the bottle horizontally in a dark place at a temperature of 12°-14°C.
Issue: April 2020
Score: 93/100
Luminous red. Captivating aromas and flavors of raspberry, minerals, marzipan, blood orange, and candied red currant all lifted by an intense note of violet. Truly a fantastic, knockout Sangiovese nose. Then juicy, vibrant and pure, with a very expressive core of perfumed flavors similar to the aromas. Finishes with exceptional clarity and cut, but only with good, not great, persistence. Still, this is a memorable Rosso di Montalcino: the nose alone deserves 96-97 points. Drinking Window 2020 – 2025
Ian D’Agata
Issue: 2020
Score: 90/100
The 2018 Barbi Rosso di Montalcino shows earthy shades of Sangiovese fruit, displaying herbal-infused, ripe cherry, blackberry and sweet spices, with a foresty mix of undergrowth and floral tones. On the palate, silky textures are contrasted by brisk acids and tart wild berry fruit, savory spice, and minerals, in an expression that seems to morph from sweet to savory. The finish is medium in length, as fleshy red fruits are firmed up by a coating of grippy tannins. I find a lot to like about the 2018 Barbi Rosso. Drinking Window 2020 – 2028
Eric Guido
