Piero Busso Mondino Barbaresco 2020

Piero Busso Mondino Barbaresco 2020

The vineyard is located in the Balluri area of Neive, on the hill after which the wine is named (Bricco Mondino).

Barbaresco DOCG Mondino is the most open, fruity Barbaresco, with delicate tannins.

The first to leave the cellar: a perfect wine for those who are approaching this historic red for the first time.

WINERY: Azienda Agricola Piero Busso

WINEMAKERS: Piero Busso (father) and Pierguido Busso (son)

ESTABLISHED: 1953

REGION: ITALY • Piedmont • Neive

APPELLATION: Barbaresco DOCG

BLEND: 100% Nebbiolo

VINEYARDS: Selection of estate fruit from vineyard ‘Mondino,’ located in cru Balluri, in Neive. The plot faces southwest, at 960 feet in altitude. Soils are mixed, with limestone, clay and lots of sand, which is believed to give this cru its softer, more supple texture and early approachability.

AGE OF VINES: 45 years, on average

WINEMAKING: Hand-harvested. Destemmed; fermented on indigenous yeasts in temperature-controlled, stainless steel tanks. Aged for 24 months in older, large oak cask (25HL “botti”), then six months in bottle. Unfined and unfiltered.

TASTING IMPRESSIONS: Aromas of red cherries, roses, plums, light licorice, baking spices. Smooth and silky, fine-grained tannins.

PAIRING SUGGESTIONS: Air-dried sausage; aged sheep’s cheese; risotto with white truffles.

Reviews

Wine Enthusiast – “The purity of fruit in this wine is like a pendulum, swinging between captivating red and purple aromas. Lifted floral notes of wild iris and violet are hypnotic, drawing you in deeper with each breath. Then, with a snap, your first sip awakens your senses with a rush of vibrant tart cherries. Sweet spices like cinnamon and nutmeg intertwine with savory notes of clove and allspice, creating a mouthwatering dance on the palate. Elegant, fine tannins provide a sturdy backbone to this stunning wine, ensuring it will continue to enchant from now until 2045.” (95 Pts)

James Suckling – “Notes of ripe raspberries and crushed violets with hints of walnuts, licorice and chocolate. Medium- to full-bodied with compact yet supple tannins that are well integrated into the wine. Attractive and pure fruit character with a lengthy finish. Try after 2025” (93 Pts)

Vinous – “The 2020 Piero Busso Mondino Barbaresco is a very pretty, elegant wine. Open aromatics suggest the 2020 is at the early part of its drinking window, which will delight readers looking for a Barbaresco to drink with minimal cellaring. Sweet pipe tobacco, cedar, mint, dried herbs and kirsch all grace this wonderfully inviting Barbaresco. More than anything else, I am impressed by the balance here.” (92 Pts)

Jeb Dunnuck – “Pale ruby, the 2020 Piero Busso Mondino Barbaresco is floral and spiced with cinnamon, bergamot, and raspberry. Medium-bodied, with a fresh, lifted feel, fine tannins, and tart pomegranate, cardamom, and orange zest, it is a refreshing and energetic style to drink 2024-2034.” (92 Pts)