Visit to Fletcher Wines with Dave Fletcher

Dave Fletcher is an Aussie from Adelaide whose day job is at Cerretto. After hours he runs Fletcher Wines out of the Barbaresco train station that he has renovated. His Cantina del Stazione – winery and cool wine bar - is a fun place to visit. He farms applying organic and bio-dynamic principles and uses older oak for most of his wines. He gave us a quick tasting of some of his recent releases

• 2017 Fletcher Langhe Chardonnay C17

  Italy, Piedmont, Langhe, Langhe DOC

  Light colour. Stony and mineral on the nose with some mealy, peach and pear notes. Also, not very citric on the palate. Mineral, nutty and weighty. Bread and orchard fruit flavours. I would have liked a little more acidity and cut.

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• 2017 Fletcher Arcato Vino da Tavola

  Italy, Piedmont, Vino da Tavola

  A natural or amber wine. Made from 75% Arneis and 25% Moscato. Fermented with skins and whole bunches. I liked it. A bouquet of mandarin, blanched almonds, baking spices and toffee, with a suggestion of crème brûlée. In the mouth, a full, rich, yeasty, viscous wine with brioche, cashews and almonds, and some citric and orchard fruit. Also, a little savoury nuance. Lower acidity but complex and interesting. Give it two years or so to fully settle.

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• 2017 Fletcher Barbera d'Asti

  Italy, Piedmont, Asti, Barbera d'Asti

  Made with 30% whole bunch, and older barrels. An exuberant nose of milk chocolate, blackberries and red and black cherries, with a lift of kirsch. Fully, ripe, rich dark fruit. Good volume and flow. Lower acidity. Silky with round tannins good mouthfeel. A good Barbera. I’d give it 1-2 years before drinking.

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• 2016 Fletcher Nebbiolo d'Alba

  Italy, Piedmont, Alba, Nebbiolo d'Alba

  A bright, energetic bouquet of red cherries, raspberries, mixed spices and earth. Drinking it, good acidity and focus, weight and drive. Attractive mainly red fruit. Spherical, not rustic tannins. Ready to go now.

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• 2015 Fletcher Barbaresco Recta Pete

  Italy, Piedmont, Langhe, Barbaresco

  Dave says that this is “the best wine I have ever made” and it was certainly the best wine of the tasting and a clear step up from the Nebbiolo d’Alba. Fruit 100% from Roncaglie. An attractive bouquet of cinnamon and other spices, red currants and red cherries and lifted rose and other floral aromas. In the mouth, seemingly quite accessible already, it’s elegant and fine. Clean and pure. Red cherries, earth and spices on the palate. Refreshing, bright acidity and succulent, fine tannins. Good volume and length. I’d give it 5+ years in the cellar.

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• 2016 Fletcher 'X16' Langhe Rosso

  Italy, Piedmont, Langhe, Langhe DOC

  The next two wines were Dave’s take on a local Super Tuscan-type cuvée. Thirds of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Nebbiolo. About 25% new oak. A bouquet of cedar, new leather, earth and crème de cassis. On palate, full and broad shouldered. A lot of fruit volume here. Tight and coiled. Cellar for 4-5+ years.

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• 2013 Fletcher 'X13' Langhe Rosso

  Italy, Piedmont, Langhe, Langhe DOC

  Thirds of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Nebbiolo. About 25% new oak. A more attractive and nuanced bouquet than the 2016. A touch of vanillin oak, followed by dark florals, spices and graphite. Similar on palate to the 2016, but better delineated with superior acidity and complexity. Ideally, hold for another 2+ years.

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