Wines Barbaresco Falletto di Bruno Giacosa - Asili - 2019

Falletto di Bruno Giacosa’s Barbaresco Asili 2019 is an exceptional Nebbiolo, sourced from one of Piedmont’s most illustrious crus. The 2019 vintage benefited from ideal growing conditions: a cool spring followed by a warm, balanced summer and an undisturbed harvest, yielding grapes of great aromatic concentration and ripe tannins. The Asili vineyard, famed for its south-southwest exposure and calcareous clay soils, imparts a characteristic elegance and depth to the wine. Fermentation and ageing take place in traditional large oak casks, allowing the pure varietal expression to shine through: a bouquet marked by crushed raspberry, rose petal, anise, and balsamic undertones, leading to a palate of impeccable poise, marrying freshness, chalky tannins, and a lingering, sculpted finish.

The Barbaresco zone in Piemonte enjoys a climate mitigated by the nearby Ligurian Sea, giving a perfect alternation of sunshine and cool breezes ideal for Nebbiolo. The region’s complex soils—rich in limestone, clay, and sandstone—are essential for imparting structure and aromatic complexity to the wines. Barbaresco shares historical links with Barolo but is often described as its more graceful sibling, producing wines of finesse, early approachability, yet remarkable ageing capacity. The storied Asili vineyard is renowned for producing some of the appellation’s most nuanced and powerful wines.

Pairing this Barbaresco is a true delight for lovers of traditional Piedmontese cuisine. The fine tannins and haunting aromatics match beautifully with dishes such as braised veal cheek, tajarin pasta with porcini mushrooms, or agnolotti del plin. Truffle-based specialities, especially during the autumn season, are sublime companions, as are mature cow’s milk cheeses such as Castelmagno, which round out the wine’s savoury finesse.

For optimal enjoyment, decant the wine for one to two hours before serving, allowing the aromas to fully unfurl. The ideal service temperature is 16-18°C. This 2019 Asili can be appreciated now for its youthful exuberance, but also promises a rewarding evolution in bottle over the next decade or more.