ForteMasso Barolo del Comune di Monforte d'Alba 2021

A refined, energetic red from one of Barolo's most closely watched young estates, the ForteMasso Barolo del Comune di Monforte d'Alba 2021 is 100% Nebbiolo grown entirely within the celebrated Castelletto subzone of Monforte d'Alba, offering an approachable, fruit-forward introduction to a producer earning some of the region's highest scores.

Fortemasso was founded in 2013 when the Gussalli Beretta family acquired a five-hectare Nebbiolo property in Castelletto, adding further vineyards for Dolcetto, Langhe Nebbiolo and Barbera. Guided by a young, dedicated team, the estate built its philosophy around expressing what it calls the "contemporary soul of Barolo" — wines that stay elegant, savory and vividly fresh without sacrificing the structure and tannin that define the appellation. This Barolo del Comune di Monforte d'Alba is sourced from the lower part of the Castelletto vineyard, hand-harvested in small 20kg crates, destemmed and macerated for roughly 30 days in stainless steel before aging two years in 25hl Slavonian oak casks — a more fruit-driven, immediately enjoyable expression than the estate's flagship Castelletto and Riserva bottlings from higher up the same hillside.

The 2021 shows a bright ruby-red hue with subtle purplish highlights, and a lifted, floral nose of rose and incense intertwined with cherry and licorice. On the palate it's fresh, savory and juicy, with the vintage's cooler character lending real precision and drinkability alongside Barolo's characteristic firm tannic backbone.

It earned 93 points from I Vini di WineNews, reflecting Fortemasso's rapid rise as a producer redefining what an accessible, energetic Barolo can be — a wine built to be enjoyed young, without losing sight of Barolo's serious pedigree.