La Spinona Barbaresco Bricco Faset DOCG 2015

Made from selected Nebbiolo grapes, Barbaresco Bricco Faset shows a deep ruby red color with garnet reflections. An intense bouquet with hints of ripe cherries, wild berries and spice. white pepper, licorice and mint blend with enticing floral notes. Mouth-filling and well-structured with a full, velvety body and a creamy, austere, long finish.

This single-vineyard Barbaresco comes from Pietro Berutti's eight hectares of coveted vineyards on the top of the historic hill, Faset. It is 270 meters above sea level with a south, south-east exposure. The vines are an average of 35 years old. Only organic farming practices are used. The natural fertilizer comes from the estate's 100 head of cattle, and no herbicides or pesticides are used. The Beruttis were one of the first Piedmont estates to obtain organic certification back in the 1980s.

The wine is aged nine months in large 38-40 hl wooden barrels of Allier and Slavonian Oak, then 12 months in bottles in the cellar.

The two Pietro Beruttis, grandfather and grandson, are well known and respected in the Barbaresco area and have received much acclaim both nationally and internationally for their wines. Their best Barbaresco cru comes from the Faset vineyard area, of which Berutti owns the “Bricco” or crest of the vineyard. Only the owner of these coveted hilltop vineyards can use the designations “Bricco”, “Bric” on the label.

The label of La Spinona is as famous as the wine. The Spinona is a special breed of Piedmontese hunting Dog, which the Beruttis raise. As the legend goes, this particular dog, Baica, received her place of honor on the label for an act of great heroism, saving the Beruttis only son from drowning in the irrigation lake when he was a baby. The son then became a veterinarian to save the dogs and later obtained a degree in agronomy to take care of the vineyards.