Region: Alba — Piedmont, Italy
Variety: Barbera
Farming: Organic
Dave Fletcher is a self-confessed Nebbiolo addict (who can blame him?) and uprooted his life in Australia to move to the stunning hills of Barbaresco.
Now making wine out of the decommissioned Barbaresco railway station, he makes nebbiolo, barbera and a host of other Italian and non-Italian grapes under the Fletcher label — a name that doesn't evoke Marcello Mastroianni in a perfectly tailored suit, though his wines may just have you gesticulating wildly and demanding Nonna's lasagne after a glass, such is their authenticity.
Organic farming is practiced as much as possible, spontaneous ferments, no fining or filtering and an unshackled approach to winemaking produce wines of verve and substance.
The joy of well-made barbera! A great intensity of fruit, underscored by a moreish savouriness and kept fresh by lovely natural acidity.