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Barbaresco is a wine that has always been overshadowed by its more famous sibling, Barolo. Barbaresco is made from the same grape variety as Barolo , the Nebbiolo grape, and therefore shares many natural similarities with its big brother. However, Barbaresco is not simply a smaller, less intense version of Barolo. Rather, it is a lighter wine with less structure but with more elegance.
Barbaresco region
The Barbaresco region is only half the size of the Barolo region, and therefore the production of Barbaresco is also much smaller. Despite the smaller area, there is still a lot of variation between producers. There are several Barbarescos that have only a single vineyard and have become household names in their own right. Ultimately, Barbaresco is a wine that has its own unique appeal and should be appreciated on its own merits.
Barbaresco, which takes its name from the town northeast of Alba, was one of the first municipalities in Italy to gain DOC status when it was granted the status in 1966. It received its DOCG certificate in 1980.
Piedmont
The municipality and villages of Barbaresco are located in northwestern Italy in the Piedmont region. Piedmont is the home of the Nebbiolo grape, from which both Barbaresco and Barolo wines are made.
In addition to the Nebbiolo grape, many of the vineyards are planted with the Barbera grape, which is primarily used to make red wine. The wines made with Barbera are often less tannic, and it is especially in Alba that the grapes have their headquarters.
Nebbiolo
Barbaresco DOCG is made from Nebbiolo grapes grown around the villages of Barbaresco, Treivo and Neive. For many years it was simply known in the region and was marketed as Vino Nebbiolo or added to Barolo wines.
Nebbiolo as a grape variety is sometimes difficult to work with, but that has not deterred many producers from Piedmont, who have many vines with this fantastic grape variety.
Barbaresco wine producers
It wasn't until the 1950s that serious producers like Angelo Gaja and Bruno Giacosa showed the great potential of this magnificent majesty. Since then, the accolades have mainly been given to these producers' tireless efforts in putting Barbarescovin on the world map.
The producers' great efforts have also sent the prices skyrocketing.
Gaja Barbaresco
Angelo Gaja is one of the most respected winemakers in Piedmont, and he is also one of the most famous. His wines are some of the most expensive and collectible in the world.
Gaja's Barbaresco is made from the Nebbiolo grape, grown in four vineyards in the Barbaresco zone: Sorì San Lorenzo, Montestefano, Sori Tildin and Costa Russi. All four of these vineyards are located in the Barbaresco proper. The Nebbiolo grape reaches its full maturity and extraordinary grace here thanks to the ideal climate and soil.
The producer Angelo Gaja has had a reputation that surpasses almost any other producer in the various municipalities of Italy.
Barbaresco wine
Barbaresco wine is mainly on the more elegant side than Barolo wines. It is almost feminine in expression, but is sometimes experienced as a stronger version of Barolo. However, as with all regions in Italy, there can be great differences between the different municipalities and vineyards, where microclimates play a crucial role in the anatomy of the wine. The wine can appear almost perfumed, which makes the wine a completely irresistible drinking experience.
Barbaresco-Riserva
A Barbaresco-Riserva DOCG is a wine that has been aged for at least three years, of which at least two years must be in barrel. A Barbaresco riserva can be released no earlier than the fifth year after the harvest.
Barbaresco-Riserva DOCG must be aged for at least 48 months from November 1 of the harvest year. At least 9 of these months must be in wooden barrels.
These wines are absolutely fantastic in their best years, and the real recognition can often be attributed to the DOCG regulation, which has ensured that the quality of wines from the area is of great quality.
Buy Barbaresco wines at Bottles with History
Bottles with History is an online wine store that is experts in vintage wines from, among other things, the Piedmont region, where we have Denmark's largest selection of Barolo and Barbaresco wines from all conceivable vintages.
We have exclusively some of the first wines that producer Angelo Gaja sent to the market. The wines have lived in the cellar for many years, but now the wines are at a perfect drinking age.
We also have other Barolo and Barbaresco houses such as Giacomo Conterno, which is considered among the absolute top in Piedmont.
