Livia Fontana 2017 Barolo Riserva Bussia DOCG – Monforte d'Alba, Piedmont, Italy
Few wines capture the grandeur of traditional Barolo like Livia Fontana 2017 Barolo Riserva Bussia DOCG. Produced from one of Piedmont's most celebrated crus, this magnificent Nebbiolo is sourced exclusively from the Munie parcel within the historic Bussia cru in Monforte d'Alba, an area renowned for producing some of Italy's longest-lived and most collectible wines.
The Fontana family has cultivated vineyards in the Langhe for more than eight generations, combining centuries of experience with meticulous vineyard management and modern precision. Today, Livia Fontana and her sons Michele and Lorenzo continue that legacy, producing elegant Barolos that faithfully express their extraordinary terroir while remaining true to traditional Piedmontese winemaking.
The 2017 Riserva is crafted from hand-harvested Nebbiolo grown on the fossil-rich Sant'Agata marls, where southwest-facing vineyards at approximately 300 meters above sea level produce grapes of remarkable concentration and finesse. Following a slow fermentation and extended skin maceration, the wine matures between 30 and 53 months in large traditional oak casks, followed by additional bottle aging in the estate's underground cellars before release.
The result is a profound Barolo that combines remarkable structure, aromatic complexity, and extraordinary longevity.
Tasting Notes
Deep garnet-ruby in color, the bouquet is wonderfully complex, opening with aromas of dark cherry, dried rose petals, wild berries, cocoa bean, juniper, roasted coffee, leather, tobacco, and crushed herbs, intertwined with earthy mineral nuances characteristic of the Bussia cru.
The palate is powerful yet beautifully refined, offering layers of black cherry, raspberry preserves, licorice, espresso, baking spices, cedar, and truffle, framed by firm yet polished Nebbiolo tannins. Vibrant acidity provides freshness and precision, while the exceptionally long finish reveals lingering notes of cocoa, balsamic herbs, crushed stone, and dried flowers.
This is a classic Barolo Riserva built for both immediate enjoyment with decanting and decades of graceful evolution in the cellar.
About Livia Fontana
The Livia Fontana estate represents one of the historic families of Barolo, with over 200 years of continuous winemaking in the Langhe. Now led by the eighth generation, the estate remains deeply committed to traditional viticulture while embracing thoughtful innovation where it enhances quality.
Every vineyard is farmed with extraordinary attention to detail, grapes are harvested entirely by hand, and the wines are aged patiently according to the timeless traditions that have made Barolo one of the world's greatest wines.
The family's vineyards in Bussia consistently produce wines celebrated for their elegance, longevity, and unmistakable sense of place.
The Legendary Bussia Cru
Among Barolo's greatest vineyards, Bussia is considered one of the appellation's Grand Crus. Located within the commune of Monforte d'Alba, its fossil-rich clay and limestone marls produce Nebbiolo of exceptional depth, aromatic intensity, and longevity.
The Munie parcel, where Livia Fontana's vines are planted, enjoys ideal southwest exposure and mineral-rich soils that create Barolos known for their rich fruit, powerful structure, and remarkable aging potential.
Winemaking
- 100% Nebbiolo
- Single Cru Bussia (Munie)
- Monforte d'Alba
- Hand harvested
- Manual grape selection
- Temperature-controlled fermentation
- Approximately 20-day maceration
- Aged 30–53 months in traditional large oak botti
- Additional bottle aging before release
- Produced according to Barolo Riserva DOCG regulations
Critical Acclaim
- 97 Points – Italy's Finest Wines (Golden Glass)
- 95 Points – Falstaff
- 94 Points – James Suckling
- 94 Points – DoctorWine
- 94 Points – I Vini di Veronelli
- 93 Points – Decanter
- 92 Points – Robert Parker's Wine Advocate
- 1 Corona – Vini Buoni d'Italia
These outstanding reviews confirm the exceptional quality of this collectible single-vineyard Barolo Riserva.
Food Pairing
This structured Barolo pairs beautifully with:
- Braised short ribs
- Beef Wellington
- Osso Buco
- Wild boar ragù
- Dry-aged ribeye
- Venison
- Truffle risotto
- Porcini mushroom dishes
- Aged Parmigiano Reggiano
- Pecorino Toscano
Why You'll Love This Wine
- 97-point collectible Barolo
- Single Cru Bussia Riserva
- Historic eighth-generation family estate
- 100% Nebbiolo
- Traditional large oak aging
- Hand-harvested fruit
- Exceptional aging potential
- One of Monforte d'Alba's finest terroirs
- Outstanding value among premium Barolo Riservas
- Ideal for collectors and serious Italian wine enthusiasts
Serving Suggestions
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Serving Temperature: 61–64°F (16–18°C)
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Decant: 2–3 hours recommended.
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Cellaring: Drink now with decanting or cellar through 2045+.
