Fontanazza 2001

Made from Merlot grapes. This wine took the wooden spoon amongst all those on show, even if it was pleasant and well-made. Red with garnet reflections, its nose is a bit earthy and one-dimensional. The palate, too, is rather lacking in excitement and slightly bitter on the finish: it has the characteristics of Merlot but not much of those of the Langhe. It was in the company of wines of really great personality, but I have to say that the comparison was fairly merciless, given the fact that this was the most expensive bottle in the tasting. However, it certainly wasn’t a complete write-off.