Faset

Faset sits within the Barbaresco commune, one of the four communes permitted to produce Barbaresco DOCG. The vineyard occupies between 3 and 7 hectares depending on the producer holdings counted, and ranges in elevation from 210 to 270 meters. Its south to south-southwest exposure is a defining advantage, helping Nebbiolo reach full physiological ripeness in the cool Piedmont climate. The proximity of the Tanaro River tempers the site, bringing humidity into the summers while winters remain very cold. These conditions create the slow, measured ripening that Nebbiolo requires to develop both structure and aromatic complexity.

• Located in Barbaresco commune, Langhe, Piedmont
• Elevation: 210 to 270 meters
• South-southwest aspect for maximum sun exposure
• Tanaro River moderates temperature and increases humidity

The soils of Faset are greyish-white calcareous marl interspersed with sandy bands. The high calcium content, alongside significant magnesium and manganese, creates a mineral-rich growing environment that leaves a clear imprint on the wines. Calcareous marl is the signature soil type across much of Barbaresco, but the precise mineral composition varies vineyard to vineyard, and Faset's profile contributes to the site's hallmark finesse and persistent minerality. The sandy component lightens the texture and encourages earlier drainage, which further refines tannin structure in the finished wines.

• Greyish-white calcareous marl with sandy bands
• Rich in calcium, magnesium, and manganese
• Sandy component aids drainage and tannin refinement
• Soil profile supports Faset's characteristic mineral finish

The name Faset derives from a historic farmhouse that once defined this parcel. In the early twentieth century, the vineyard was the sole property of the Conti Cocito family of Neive. Today it is divided among multiple owners, a common evolution for historic Langa crus as estates changed hands across generations. Faset holds MGA status, granted as part of the Consorzio di Barbaresco's formal recognition of single-vineyard sites within the appellation. This classification allows producers to name Faset on the label, signaling origin and traceability to the consumer. The vineyard also falls within the UNESCO World Heritage site designated in 2014 for the Vineyard Landscapes of Langhe-Roero and Monferrato.

• Named after a historic farmhouse on the site
• Owned entirely by Conti Cocito family of Neive in the early 1900s
• Now divided among multiple producers
• Officially classified as an MGA within Barbaresco DOCG
• Part of the 2014 UNESCO World Heritage designation

Faset produces Barbaresco with a reputation for elegance and silky tannin texture rather than the more austere or muscular profile found in some neighboring MGAs. Aromas lean toward dried rose petals and red fruits, with the calcareous marl delivering a fine mineral underpinning. The wines are structured and age-worthy while remaining more approachable in youth relative to some Barbaresco benchmarks. A range of established producers work fruit from Faset, including Roagna, Paitin di Pasquero-Elia, Michele Chiarlo, Ceretto, La Spinona, Piercarlo Culasso, and David Fletcher. This diversity of ownership and winemaking philosophy offers a useful window into how the site expresses itself across different cellar approaches.

• Style: structured, elegant, silky tannins with dried rose and red fruit aromatics
• Fine minerality from calcareous marl soils
• Notable producers: Roagna, Paitin, Michele Chiarlo, Ceretto
• Approachable in youth but with clear age-worthiness