Notify me
2016 Barolo Bussia “Cascina Dardi”
A. & G. FantinoLocation is crucial in the Langhe, as vineyard site is the first and foremost determinant to a grower’s ability to produce fine Barolo. Brothers Alessandro and Gian Natale Fantino are blessed in this respect: proud proprietors of several hectares in a south-facing section of Monforte d’Alba’s fabled Bussia cru known as Dardi, named for the family’s old farmhouse, they have the terroir essentials to craft a grandiose Nebbiolo for the ages.
And yet, this is only part of the equation. Traditional treatment in the cellar—fermentation with native yeast and long aging in Slavonian oak casks, or botti grandi—ensures the beautiful fruit from Dardi is not altered or masked. Minimizing filtration and added sulfur at bottling preserves a velvetiness that makes the wines texturally seductive from release and through the years.
As a result, the Fantinos’ Baroli come loaded with rich, generous Nebbiolo fruit, flaunting a plushness that beckons. The wine is ripe, deep, and almost extravagant in its breadth of aroma and flavor, while a dense, tightly knit core of firm acidity and fine-grained tannins make up a rigid spine. Power, finesse, classic Barolo aromatics—it’s all there. Piemonte lovers will not want to miss it.
—Anthony Lynch
Wine Type: | red |
Vintage: | 2016 |
Bottle Size: | 750mL |
Blend: | Nebbiolo |
Appellation: | Barolo |
Country: | Italy |
Region: | Piedmont |
Producer: | A. & G. Fantino |
Winemaker: | Alessandro & Gian Natale Fantino |
Vineyard: | 21 years |
Soil: | Sandy Clay |
Aging: | Aged in large oak barrels for 4 years, aged in bottle for 6 months before release |
Farming: | Sustainable |
Alcohol: | 14% |
More from this Producer or Region
2019 Barolo “Mosconi”
Italy | Piedmont
One of the most prestigious vineyard sites in his village of Monforte d’Alba, if not all of Barolo.
2017 Barolo Bussia “Cascina Dardi”
Alessandro e Gian Natale Fantino
Italy | Piedmont
Ripe, deep, and almost extravagant in its breadth of aroma and flavor, while a dense, tightly knit core of firm acidity and fine-grained tannins make up a rigid spine.
2017 Barolo Bussia Riserva “Cascina Dardi”
Alessandro e Gian Natale Fantino
Italy | Piedmont
Alessandro Fantino’s Riservas are as good as Barolo gets.
2021 Barbera d’Alba Superiore
Alessandro e Gian Natale Fantino
Italy | Piedmont
November Club Chevalier ~ Elegant, lithe, and versatile, this Barbera is full of young charm, fragrant fruit, and bright, mouthwatering acidity.
2021 Rosso dei Dardi
Alessandro e Gian Natale Fantino
Italy | Piedmont
Perfumed Nebbiolo fruit and tender tannins encourage pulling the cork just for the sake of quenching one’s thirst.
2017 Barbera del Monferrato “Perlydia”
Italy | Piedmont
While it can age for a few more years, its rich, juicy fruit and plump texture make it hard to resist today.
2015 Barolo Riserva “Cascina Dardi - Bussia”
Italy | Piedmont
The Fantino brothers’ Riservas are as good as Barolo gets.
2016 Laboro Disobedient
Italy | Piedmont
A throwback to the legendary Barolos of old.
NV Barolo Chinato
Italy | Piedmont
A deliciously aromatized Barolo, fascinating and complex with a long, herbal finish.
About The Producer
A. & G. Fantino
About The Region
Piedmont
Kermit’s love affair with the great reds of Piemonte dates back to the early days of his career: the very first container he imported from Italy, in fact, featured legendary 1971 and 1974 Barolos from Vietti and Aldo Conterno. Regular visits since then have seen our portfolio grow to now twelve Piemontesi estates, with a strong focus on the rolling hills of the Langhe.
Nebbiolo rules these majestic, vine-covered marl slopes, giving Italy’s most mystifyingly complex, nuanced, and age-worthy reds. When crafted via traditional production methods—long macerations and extensive aging in enormous oak botti—the powerful, yet incredibly refined Barolos and Barbarescos provide haunting aromatics of tar, raspberry, incense, tea, roses, and more. At times austere in their youth but well worth the wait, they pair beautifully with the hearty local cuisine starring veal in many forms, braised beef, pastas like tajarin and agnolotti, and of course, Alba’s famous white truffles.
Surrounded by mountains on three sides, Piemonte’s climate is continental, with baking hot summers and cold winters. Nebbiolo is only part of the story here: juicy, fruity Barberas and Dolcettos represent the bread and butter throughout the region, and other native grapes like Freisa, Croatina, and the white Arneis are also noteworthy. Value abounds in the Monferrato, while Alto Piemonte also has its share of thrills to provide.
Every corner of Piemonte is rich with tradition, especially when wine is concerned. It’s no wonder we have been singing the region’s praises for over forty years.
More from Piedmont or Italy
2023 Vino Rosato
Cantine Elvio Tintero Italy | Piedmont
2021 Dolcetto di Diano d’Alba “Sörì Santa Lucia”
Il Palazzotto Italy | Piedmont
2015 Barolo Riserva “Cascina Dardi - Bussia”
A. & G. Fantino Italy | Piedmont
2019 Barolo “Le Coste di Monforte”
Piero Benevelli Italy | Piedmont
2019 Barolo “Mosconi”
Piero Benevelli Italy | Piedmont
2015 Barolo “Vigna Rionda” MAGNUM
Guido Porro Italy | Piedmont
2020 Barbaresco “Vicenziana”
Silvio Giamello Italy | Piedmont
2021 Barbera d’Alba Superiore
Alessandro e Gian Natale Fantino Italy | Piedmont
2022 Barbera d’Alba “Bricco del Pilone”
Piero Benevelli Italy | Piedmont
2016 Laboro Disobedient
A. & G. Fantino Italy | Piedmont
2022 Vino Rosso
Cantine Elvio Tintero Italy | Piedmont
2021 Barbera del Monferrato “Rosso Pietro”
Cantine Valpane Italy | Piedmont
2023 Vino Rosato
Cantine Elvio Tintero Italy | Piedmont
2021 Dolcetto di Diano d’Alba “Sörì Santa Lucia”
Il Palazzotto Italy | Piedmont
2015 Barolo Riserva “Cascina Dardi - Bussia”
A. & G. Fantino Italy | Piedmont
2019 Barolo “Le Coste di Monforte”
Piero Benevelli Italy | Piedmont
2019 Barolo “Mosconi”
Piero Benevelli Italy | Piedmont
2015 Barolo “Vigna Rionda” MAGNUM
Guido Porro Italy | Piedmont
2020 Barbaresco “Vicenziana”
Silvio Giamello Italy | Piedmont
2021 Barbera d’Alba Superiore
Alessandro e Gian Natale Fantino Italy | Piedmont
2022 Barbera d’Alba “Bricco del Pilone”
Piero Benevelli Italy | Piedmont
2016 Laboro Disobedient
A. & G. Fantino Italy | Piedmont
2022 Vino Rosso
Cantine Elvio Tintero Italy | Piedmont
2021 Barbera del Monferrato “Rosso Pietro”
Cantine Valpane Italy | Piedmont
Our Guarantee
Our Guarantee
We only import wine we drink and enjoy ourselves, directly from the source.
Our wine tastes the same in your home as it did where it was bottled in Europe.
Like the long-term relationships we build with growers, we build long-term relationships with our clients. Have a question? Need wine advice? Just give us a call—510-524-1524.