Franco Rocca, Barbaresco DOCG 'Albesani', 2018

In the rolling hills of Neive, Franco Rocca and his wife Susan tend to 4.5 hectares of calcareous marl soil, producing approximately 25,000 bottles annually, with their Barbaresco production totaling just 6,000 bottles, making it one of the smallest in the area. Specializing in Dolcetto, Barbera, and Nebbiolo, Franco prioritizes quality over quantity, yielding around 70ql per hectare. This meticulous approach extends to the cellar, where stainless steel fermentation and longer maceration in cement tanks are followed by aging in various oak barrels, ranging from 6.5l Slovenian to 500l French and Slovenian tonneau. Each step is executed with precision, resulting in wines meant to be savored and appreciated for their nuanced character.