The estate’s flagship, made only from their oldest Nebbiolo, vines planted in 1946 and 1947 in the Dardi section of Bussia. Bussia tends toward deep colour and rich, dark fruit, with a tannic structure that’s firm without the harder edge found in Barolo from the south side of Monforte or from Serralunga, a style that ages beautifully but is also approachable relatively young. Fermented 30 to 35 days in stainless steel, then aged five full years in large Slavonian oak botti, a full extra year beyond the base Barolo, before a further year in bottle. That extra time in wood softens the tannin further and lets the fruit turn from primary to something deeper and more savoury. 2019 was a classically balanced Langhe vintage, and the result is a Riserva showing tobacco, dried violet and orchard fruit, with a still-firm tannic structure built for further ageing.

The Fantino brothers’ entry-point Barolo, drawn from their Dardi holding at the heart of the Bussia cru, on vines now over two decades old. Fermented in stainless steel for 25 to 30 days, then aged four years in large old Slavonian oak casks before six months in bottle, a long, unhurried elevage that favours structure over immediacy. 2020 was a warmer, earlier ripening vintage in the Langhe. Bussia typically gives a lighter, more approachable style of Barolo than the wines from the south side of Monforte or from Serralunga, and this bottling shows that character clearly: deep colour and generous dark fruit, firm but never harsh tannin, with the mineral, savoury edge that marks wines from this side of Monforte.