Fortemasso Barolo del Comune di Monforte d'Alba DOCG 2021 750ml

Product Info

Terroir
Sourced from vineyards rooted in the rugged hills of Monforte d’Alba, this Barolo reflects one of the most powerful terroirs in the appellation. The slopes here sit at higher elevations with a mix of compact sandstone, marl, and iron-rich clays, giving Nebbiolo both structure and aromatic lift. Monforte’s climate trends slightly warmer than neighboring communes, allowing grapes to reach full phenolic ripeness while maintaining tension through the cool diurnal shift. The site’s exposure favors long, even maturation, contributing to the wine’s depth, muscularity, and classic Barolo austerity in youth. In 2021—an excellent, balanced vintage—conditions allowed for pristine fruit, concentration without heaviness, and finely sculpted tannins.

Winemaking & Technical Notes
Fortemasso vinifies its Nebbiolo with a philosophy that balances modern precision with traditional Barolo structure. The grapes undergo careful sorting followed by a long maceration to extract aromatic complexity and the firm yet refined tannin profile typical of Monforte fruit. Fermentation occurs in temperature-controlled vessels to preserve purity while allowing Nebbiolo’s wild aromatics to fully develop. Aging is conducted in large Slavonian oak botti, emphasizing elegance over overt wood influence and ensuring that the vineyard’s voice remains front and center. The result is a Barolo shaped by restraint, tension, and clarity—young but already revealing its long-term potential.

Tasting Notes
Aromatically, the wine opens with rose petals, dried cherry, and macerated strawberry, layered with notes of anise, crushed mineral, orange peel, and subtle hints of cedar. On the palate, it is both linear and powerful, showing the hallmark Monforte combination of amplitude and precision. Flavors of red currant, Morello cherry, pomegranate, and raspberry compote unfold slowly, supported by accents of tobacco leaf, dried herbs, black tea, and savory earth. The tannins are assertive yet polished—granular, gripping, and tightly woven—providing the scaffolding for long aging. Acidity is vibrant, driving the wine forward and extending the long, resonant finish marked by citrus-tinged red fruit, spice, and stone.

Food Pairing & Service
This Barolo shines alongside dishes that complement its structure and aromatic complexity. Ideal pairings include braised short ribs, truffle risotto, wild mushroom ragù, or herb-crusted lamb—foods with richness that soften the tannins and echo the wine’s earthy nuances. Hard cheeses such as aged Parmigiano Reggiano or Pecorino di Fossa also work beautifully. Serve at 60–64°F (16–18°C) in large Burgundy or Nebbiolo stems to allow the perfume to fully unfurl. While approachable with extended aeration—a 1–2 hour decant is recommended—the wine will reward 10–20 years of cellaring, gaining aromatic lift, complexity, and textural harmony.