Fausoni
fow-ZOH-nee
A compact, south-southwest facing MGA in Neive's historic core, delivering mineral-driven Barbaresco of quiet elegance.
Fausoni is a 1.5-hectare Barbaresco MGA in Neive, Piedmont, recognized for producing elegant, mineral-driven Nebbiolo. One of 66 official MGAs recognized by the Barbaresco DOCG in 2007, it sits on marl-limestone soils with clay and sand. Sottimano and Francone are among its noted producers.
- Located in the commune of Neive within Barbaresco DOCG
- Total vineyard area of just 1.5 hectares
- South-southwest facing aspect maximizes sun exposure for Nebbiolo ripening
- Soils composed of marl-limestone with clay and sand
- Classified as a Menzione Geografica Aggiuntiva (MGA), Barbaresco's official cru system
- One of 66 MGAs formally recognized in 2007
- Situated in the historical part of Neive
Location and Setting
Fausoni sits within the historic area of Neive, one of three main communes in the Barbaresco DOCG alongside Barbaresco and Treiso. At just 1.5 hectares, it is among the smaller MGAs in the denomination. The vineyard faces south-southwest, an orientation that gives Nebbiolo the extended solar exposure it needs to achieve full phenolic ripeness in this cool-temperate growing environment.
- Commune: Neive, Barbaresco DOCG
- Area: 1.5 hectares
- Aspect: South-southwest facing
- Located in the historical zone of Neive
Soils and Climate
The soils at Fausoni are marl-limestone with clay and sand, a composition typical of the Langhe hills and well-suited to Nebbiolo. Marl provides structure and contributes to the mineral character found in wines from this site. The clay fraction aids water retention during dry summers, while the sandy component improves drainage and warms quickly in spring. The climate is temperate with maritime influence, moderating the continental extremes of the Piedmont interior.
- Marl-limestone base with clay and sand
- Maritime-influenced temperate climate
- Soil composition supports both drainage and moisture retention
- Mineral character is a hallmark of the site
Classification and History
Fausoni gained official recognition as a Menzione Geografica Aggiuntiva in 2007, when the Barbaresco DOCG formally codified 66 individual vineyard sites across its communes. The MGA system functions as Barbaresco's equivalent of a premier cru classification, allowing producers to single-vineyard label wines from specific, named parcels. Fausoni's placement within the historical part of Neive underscores its long-standing reputation as a quality site, even before the formal MGA designation was established.
- Recognized as an MGA in 2007
- One of 66 total MGAs in Barbaresco DOCG
- MGAs permit single-vineyard labeling on Barbaresco wines
- Historical site within the oldest part of Neive
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Open Wine Lookup →Grape and Wine Style
Fausoni is planted exclusively to Nebbiolo, the sole red grape permitted for Barbaresco DOCG production. Wines from this site are described as elegant and mineral-driven with fine tannins, reflecting both the south-southwest aspect and the marl-limestone soil base. This profile places Fausoni in the more refined, structured camp of Barbaresco MGAs rather than the broader, more opulent style. Notable producers working with fruit from this vineyard include Sottimano, Francone, and Guido Rivella.
- Sole variety: Nebbiolo
- Style: Elegant, mineral, fine-tannined
- Notable producers: Sottimano, Francone, Guido Rivella
- Reflects the classic Neive terroir character
Elegant and mineral-driven, with fine tannins, red fruit, dried roses, and earthy notes. The marl-limestone soils contribute a saline, stony mineral quality that distinguishes wines from this small but historically significant site.
- Sottimano Barbaresco Fausoni$60-90Sottimano is among the most celebrated producers working with Fausoni fruit, showcasing the site's mineral elegance.Find →
- Francone Barbaresco Fausoni$45-70Francone offers a reliable expression of Fausoni's character, representing the commune of Neive with traditional craft.Find →
- Fausoni is one of 66 MGAs formally recognized by Barbaresco DOCG in 2007
- Located in the historic section of Neive, one of three Barbaresco communes
- At 1.5 hectares, it is among the smaller MGAs in the denomination
- South-southwest aspect and marl-limestone soils shape the site's mineral, fine-tannin style
- Nebbiolo is the only permitted variety for Barbaresco DOCG wines