The oak-aged 2010 Barbera d’Alba Superiore Funtani shows more spice and tobacco upfront with a bright and crisp quality of berry fruit at the back. Again, it’s really nice to see that a minimalist approach has been taken. Soft fruit and exotic spice are measured and nicely balanced against the wine’s inherent crispness. Anticipated maturity: 2013-2018.
In family hands since 1340 (spanning an amazing 19 generations), this is one of the oldest estates in Italy. Today, it is run by Giovanni Cordero di Montezemolo and his two children Elena and Alberto. The family owns 30 hectares, of which 28 are a single vineyard in the Annunziata cru of La Morra’s Monfalletto-Gattera hill. They also have two hectares in Castiglione Falletto (the Villero cru) where one of their top wines, the Barolo Enrico VI, is rooted.
Various American importers, including: Omniwines Distributing Co. LLC, Linden Hill, NY; tel. (718) 353-8700; Wine Warehouse, City of Commerce, CA; tel. (323) 724-1700; Bertin Henri Selections, 10900 NW 21st St, Unit 180, Doral, FL 33172; tel: (305) 343-4054