Giulio Ferrari Riserva del Fondatore 1986

(Harvest between September 17 ad 20, bottled in April 1987, disgorged May 2017, dosage 3g/l). A year in which the harvest was anticipated due to abundant rain in April and a hot May while the growing cycle slowed in June due to cooler temperatures that resulted in meager bunches. The end of summer, however, was textbook in regard to temperatures and weather. The base wines were very elegant and immediately showed great potential for aging and – even if the common dosage at the time was 10g/l – the wine’s true character came out when it was recently disgorged after aging 20 years in the bottle and was given a minimum dosage. The bouquet is intense and complex with notes of chestnut honey and toasted barley, a streak of iodine and a touch of mushroom and marron glacé. The mouthfeel is mellow, full and rich with a freshness underscored by a note of rhubarb. The wine emanates significant energy and one can sense the full beauty of its evolution, despite the recent disgorgement and low dosage. A surprising wine with nuances of caramel and dew in an embracing aromatic arabesque. 

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