About this wine
Vineyard and terroir
The historic Fossati vineyard lies on the boundary where La Morra meets the commune of Barolo. Its south-east exposure and calcareous-clay setting produce a powerful structure with a dense, velvety texture. The technical data place the vines at 330–380 metres on blue-grey marl. The vineyard is Guyot-trained, and the vines average 40 years of age.
Grapes
100% Nebbiolo.
Vinification
The grapes are picked by hand during the first ten days of October, then destemmed and crushed. They macerate in temperature-controlled tanks at 25–26°C for 50–60 days with daily pump-overs. In the best vintages, maceration is extended under a submerged cap. Spontaneous malolactic fermentation follows.
Ageing
At least 18 months in large oak casks.
Tasting profile
Garnet red. Violet and cherry aromas evolve toward cocoa, hay and leather. The palate is pleasantly dry and complete, balancing acidity with Nebbiolo's refined tannins. Its powerful structure contains a dense, velvety texture; with age, the wine retains an earthy, full and deep character while becoming more polished and elegant.
Serving and pairing
Serve at 16–18°C with red meat, game, braised dishes or savoury mature cheeses.
Vintage notes
In the best vintages, maceration is prolonged and continues under a submerged cap.
Label / history
Fossati has a longstanding connection with Dosio. The wine page dates the first Barolo Fossati to 1982, before Fossati was formally identified as an MGA. The technical sheet instead says that the first Barolo bearing the Fossati name appeared in 1986.
