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The Vibrant Side of Fantino’s Cellar
The Vibrant Side of Fantino’s Cellar
by Tom Wolf by Tom Wolf
2019 Barbera d’Alba Superiore
2019 Barbera d’Alba Superiore


Fantino’s cellar
A. & G. Fantino Italy | Piedmont | Barbera d’Alba
Descend into the Fantino brothers’ humble cellar beneath the village of Monforte d’Alba and the first thing you notice are the large, vertical Slavonian oak barrels, where, for a minimum of four years, Nebbiolo takes its time developing into deep and complex Barolo.
At the other end of the cellar stand large stainless steel tanks in which Alessandro and Gian Natale age their more approachable and exuberant Barbera for a year and a half with the aim of preserving as much young charm, fragrant fruit, and bright acidity as possible.
Depending on the vintage, the Fantinos’ Barbera can show a stronger side of this grape variety with robust concentration and flavors, or a lither and more refined side. The 2019 rendition embodies the latter with its elegant and versatile profile and notes of cherries, cranberries, and blood orange that pair as perfectly with pizza as with Chris Lee’s risotto with figs and prosciutto.
Click here for Chris Lee’s recipe.


Fantino’s cellar
Wine Type: | red |
Vintage: | 2019 |
Bottle Size: | 750mL |
Blend: | Barbera |
Appellation: | Barbera d’Alba |
Country: | Italy |
Region: | Piedmont |
Producer: | A. & G. Fantino |
Vineyard: | Vines planted 1999-2002 |
Soil: | Gray marl, Clay |
Farming: | Sustainable |
Alcohol: | 13.5% |
More from this Producer or Region
Dustin Soiseth's Pick

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If you're having a big gathering and want a wine that will blow the doors off the advent calendar, then this is the red for you. Rich, complex Nebbiolo from one of Barolo's very best crus. Plus, big bottles show you care.

2015 Barolo Riserva Bussia
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Alessandro Fantino’s Riservas are as good as Barolo gets.

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Perfumed Nebbiolo fruit and tender tannins encourage pulling the cork just for the sake of quenching one’s thirst.

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Arneis has enough luscious, peachy body to satisfy Chardonnay drinkers, along with the mouthwatering zip of a good Sauvignon Blanc.

NV Barolo Chinato
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A deliciously aromatized Barolo, fascinating and complex with a long, herbal finish.

2018 Barolo “Vigna Lazzairasco”
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If you are unfamiliar with Guido Porro and his world-class Baroli, this is an ideal bottle with which to become acquainted.

2016 Barolo Bussia “Cascina Dardi”
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Ripe, deep, and almost extravagant in its breadth of aroma and flavor, while a dense, tightly knit core of firm acidity and fine-grained tannins make up a rigid spine.

2016 Laboro Disobedient
Italy | Piedmont
A throwback to the legendary Barolos of old.

2017 Barolo Bussia Riserva “Cascina Dardi”
Alessandro e Gian Natale Fantino
Italy | Piedmont
Alessandro Fantino’s Riservas are as good as Barolo gets.

2020 Barbera d’Alba Superiore
Alessandro e Gian Natale Fantino
Italy
Elegant, lithe, and versatile, this Barbera is full of young charm, fragrant fruit, and bright, mouthwatering acidity.
About The Producer
A. & G. Fantino
About The Region
Piedmont
Kermit’s love affair with the great reds of Piemonte dates back to the early days of his career: the very first container he imported from Italy, in fact, featured legendary 1971 and 1974 Barolos from Vietti and Aldo Conterno. Regular visits since then have seen our portfolio grow to now twelve Piemontesi estates, with a strong focus on the rolling hills of the Langhe.
Nebbiolo rules these majestic, vine-covered marl slopes, giving Italy’s most mystifyingly complex, nuanced, and age-worthy reds. When crafted via traditional production methods—long macerations and extensive aging in enormous oak botti—the powerful, yet incredibly refined Barolos and Barbarescos provide haunting aromatics of tar, raspberry, incense, tea, roses, and more. At times austere in their youth but well worth the wait, they pair beautifully with the hearty local cuisine starring veal in many forms, braised beef, pastas like tajarin and agnolotti, and of course, Alba’s famous white truffles.
Surrounded by mountains on three sides, Piemonte’s climate is continental, with baking hot summers and cold winters. Nebbiolo is only part of the story here: juicy, fruity Barberas and Dolcettos represent the bread and butter throughout the region, and other native grapes like Freisa, Croatina, and the white Arneis are also noteworthy. Value abounds in the Monferrato, while Alto Piemonte also has its share of thrills to provide.
Every corner of Piemonte is rich with tradition, especially when wine is concerned. It’s no wonder we have been singing the region’s praises for over forty years.
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