Olek Bondonio Barbaresco RONCAGLIETTE 2021

OLEK BONDONIO BARBARESCO RONCAGLIETTE 2021

Olek Bondonio makes his wines at Cascina La Berchialla, a family estate in Barbaresco, in the heart of Piedmont’s Langhe. After gaining experience abroad, he returned to his family vineyards and began bottling his own wines in 2005. His work focuses on individual vineyard sites and a personal interpretation of Nebbiolo, one of Italy’s noblest and most demanding grape varieties.

Roncagliette is one of Barbaresco’s historic crus. Bondonio’s vineyard lies in a relatively cool area, close to some of the appellation’s most renowned sites. It produces a wine that combines Nebbiolo’s depth with delicate aromatics, freshness and a strong sense of place.

PHILOSOPHY

Bondonio follows a low-intervention philosophy in both the vineyard and the cellar. His aim is to respect the natural balance of the vines and allow each vineyard’s characteristics to emerge without unnecessary winemaking embellishment.

Spontaneous fermentation, concrete tanks and ageing in large wooden vessels are central to an approach that prioritises Nebbiolo’s purity, tannic texture and expression of terroir. The resulting wines are artisanal in character, distinctive and capable of developing over time.

WINEMAKING AND VINTAGE

The winemaking and grape provenance of Roncagliette 2021 are closely linked to the namesake cru within the Barbaresco DOCG appellation. The wine is made from hand-harvested Nebbiolo grapes, carefully selected to preserve fruit quality.

Fermentation takes place spontaneously with indigenous yeasts in concrete tanks. Maceration on the skins lasts approximately two months, encouraging the extraction of colour, structure and aromatic compounds. After pressing, the wine matures for around two years in large wooden botti, allowing it to evolve gradually without excessive influence from new oak.

The 2021 vintage balances intensity, freshness and structure. Ripe red fruit combines with floral, balsamic and spicy notes, while Nebbiolo’s natural acidity and tannins provide depth and ageing potential.

VINEYARD AND GRAPE VARIETY

Roncagliette is a cru in the municipality of Barbaresco, in Piedmont. Bondonio’s vines are around 50 years old and grow in clay soils with blue marl, on a hillside at approximately 350 metres above sea level.

The wine is made from 100% Nebbiolo, a variety that finds ideal conditions in Barbaresco for developing aromas of cherry, rose, violet, spice and earthy notes. Its firm tannins and natural acidity allow it to evolve for years in bottle.

TASTING NOTES

The nose reveals cherry and other ripe red-fruit aromas, accompanied by rose petals, violet and aromatic herbs. With aeration, balsamic, minty and spicy nuances emerge, alongside hints of tobacco and damp earth, adding complexity without obscuring the fruit.

On the palate, it combines an elegant texture with firm, well-defined tannins. Fruit, acidity and mineral notes come together in a deep, fresh and persistent finish. Its structure is serious, yet it retains the finesse and balance associated with great Barbaresco. Decanting or allowing time in the glass will help reveal its full complexity.

FOOD PAIRING

Excellent with braised meats, brasato, roast lamb, game and traditional Piedmontese dishes. It also pairs beautifully with truffle risotto, pasta with ragù and well-aged cheeses.

TECHNICAL SHEET

PRODUCER: Olek Bondonio – Cascina La Berchialla

WINE: Barbaresco Roncagliette

VINTAGE: 2021

COUNTRY: Italy

REGION: Piedmont

APPELLATION: Barbaresco DOCG

TYPE: Red wine

GRAPE VARIETY: 100% Nebbiolo

VINEYARD: Roncagliette cru, Barbaresco

VINE AGE: Approximately 50 years

SOILS: Clay and blue marl

ALTITUDE: Approximately 350 metres

HARVEST: Hand-picked

FERMENTATION: Spontaneous, with indigenous yeasts, in concrete tanks

MACERATION: Approximately two months

AGEING: Around 22–24 months in large wooden botti

FINING AND FILTRATION: Unfined and unfiltered, according to the sources consulted

ALCOHOL: 14% ABV

SERVING TEMPERATURE: 16–18 °C

ALLERGENS: Contains sulphites