Carlo Giacosa 2017 Barbaresco ‘Montefico’ Piemonte

Under-the-radar producer Carolo Giacosa hits it out of the park with this 2017 Barbaresco Montefico, a meditation in subtle fruit, fine-grained tannin and an ever-evolving palate.

One of Barbaresco’s hidden gems is Carlo Giacosa, one of the original growers of the cooperative Produttori del Barbaresco back in the 1960’s. Today, they produce some of the finest Barbaresco today, with this Montefico bottling rising above the rest. I first had this wine in 2022 in the village square in downtown Barbaresco and was blown away! Carlo is a second-generation winemaker for the Giacosa family, farming just 5 hectar of some of the most sought after vines in Barbaresco (Ovello, Montefico, Montestefano, Cole). They work organically in the vineyard and classically in the winery, producing wines that speak directly of place. Montefico is a small vineyard that produces elegant Barbaresco with minerality, aromas of under-ripe maraschino cherry and the smoothest tannins around. Tons of evolution in the glass from first to last sip. This is a nuanced wine, quietly unfolding in the glass. Lovers of quality Burgundy will rejoice.

WINEMAKER: Carlo Giacosa

VARIETAL: 100% Nebbiolo

APPELLATION: Montefico, Village of Barbaresco, Langhe

REGION: Piemonte

IN THE VINEYARD: Sustainable

IN THE WINERY: Extended macerations, botti-aged

ABV%: 14.5

SERVE: Open, let stand for 30min, serve in a Burgundy-shaped glass