Ca' di Press Barbera d'Alba 2021

Farming vines on the south-east facing slopes around Monforte’s Perno hamlet since 1900, the Pressanda family historically sold off most of the grapes gorwn at their 7.5ha estate, keeping just a small portion of fruit to make wine for personal consumption. 

This has all changed since sisters Alice and Cristina began taking over from their father Bruno, and they are now using traditional Piedmontese techniques to craft classically styled wines that take inspiration from the Barolos of Bartolo Mascarello and Burlotto. 

Since releasing their debut 2018 Barolo di Monforte d’Alba to critical acclaim last year, there has been considerable excitement among Piedmont insiders around the domaine’s second vintage. Production is miniscule – just two casks of Barolo were made, in addition to a fleshy, complex Dolcetto and a beautifully poised Barbera.

After native yeast fermentation in stainless steel, the Barolo is matured in Slavonian oak casks for 20 months and then in bottle for a further year. The 2019 Barolo di Monforte d’Alba offers an intoxicating fragrance of brambly fruit, dried rose petals, and spices alongside silky tannins. Although charming and open already, it has the structure for long ageing.

Immediately entering Piedmont’s top ranks, Ca’ di Press is an unmissable addition to the cellars of Barolo lovers and collectors.

Aged in stainless steel and fibreglass. Finessed and red fruited, with poise and neatly framing tannins.