Fennochio Barolo Bussia Riserva 90 2016

Fenocchio Barolo Bussia Riserva 90 2016 is a classic, age-worthy Barolo from one of Piedmont’s most respected traditionalists. Sourced from the iconic Bussia cru, this Riserva captures the power, elegance and precision that made the 2016 vintage so celebrated. With a 97-point pedigree and a style that rewards patience, it’s a bottle for serious collectors and Nebbiolo lovers alike.

Tasting Notes
In the glass, this Barolo shows a deep garnet core with brick-red reflections developing toward the rim, already hinting at its evolving complexity. The nose is focused and expressive, with precise aromas of dark cherry, black plum and blackberry layered over notes of dried rose petals, leather, licorice, spice and cured tobacco. On the palate, it is structured yet refined, with firm, finely textured tannins that are beautifully integrated into the wine’s dense, layered fruit. Flavors of black cherry, plum and wild berries are joined by savory notes of leather, underbrush, dried herbs and sweet spices, leading into a long, lingering finish with mineral undertones. The 2016 vintage offers both richness and clarity, giving this Riserva excellent aging potential; it will continue to develop tertiary notes of truffle, forest floor and dried flowers over the next 10–20 years if properly cellared.

Production
This Barolo comes from the Bussia cru in the heart of the Barolo zone, a hillside famed for its calcareous marl soils, optimal exposure and excellent natural drainage—conditions that allow Nebbiolo to ripen slowly and fully while retaining freshness. Fenocchio is known for traditional, low-intervention practices: hand-harvested grapes from older vines, careful selection in the vineyard and cellar, and native-yeast fermentation. Long maceration on the skins extracts depth and structure, followed by extended aging in large Slavonian oak casks, allowing the wine to develop complexity and harmony without overt oak influence.

Food & Serving
This is a natural partner for rich, savory dishes such as braised beef (brasato al Barolo), osso buco, game birds, and slow-cooked lamb, as well as truffle-infused dishes, mushroom risottos and aged hard cheeses like Parmigiano Reggiano or mature Comté. Serve at 16–18°C (60–64°F) in large Burgundy or Nebbiolo glasses to let the aromas fully unfold. Decanting for 2–3 hours is recommended in its youth to soften the tannins and open up the bouquet; older bottles may need a gentler, shorter decant just to remove sediment.

Producer
Giacomo Fenocchio is a historic Barolo producer based in Monforte d’Alba, with a family legacy that dates back to the late 19th century. The estate has become a benchmark for classic, terroir-driven Barolo, with holdings in some of the region’s most esteemed crus, including Bussia. Fenocchio adheres to traditional methods—long fermentations, extended aging in large neutral botti and minimal manipulation—to allow each vineyard to express its character with clarity and authenticity. Their wines are highly regarded by critics and collectors for their purity, balance and exceptional capacity to age, helping to cement the estate’s reputation as one of the standard-bearers of traditional Barolo in Piedmont.