Barolo Bersano 1986
This is a 1986 Barolo from the renowned producer Bersano, located in the prestigious Piedmont region of northwestern Italy. Piedmont, which translates to "at the foot of the mountain," is surrounded by the Alps and is celebrated globally for its terroir-focused estates. The 1986 vintage in this area is described as rustic and exciting, achieving a score of 82 points. The wine is classified as a Denominazione di Origine Controllata e Garantita (DOCG), representing the highest tier of Italian wine classification.
Barolo is situated in the steep hills of the Langhe subregion, southwest of Alba. The landscape is characterized by dramatic hills that are frequently enveloped in thick autumn fog, a natural feature that protects the vineyards and ensures a long, steady ripening period for the grapes. This area is inextricably linked to Nebbiolo, an esteemed Italian grape variety known for producing elegant wines with significant structure. Nebbiolo is the sole grape used in the production of Barolo, firmly establishing it as one of Italy's great classic red wines.
Bersano was founded in 1907 by Giuseppe Bersano in Nizza Monferrato. The estate's international reputation was built starting in 1935 by his son, Arturo Bersano. Following the acquisition of the Cremosina vineyard in 1912, the house expanded significantly and today encompasses over 230 hectares across ten estates in both the Langhe and Monferrato areas. Currently, the operations are managed by the Massimelli family, with Federica Massimelli taking the helm in 2021 as the estate's first female leader.
This specific release is presented in a 500-milliliter format, featuring an alcohol content of 13 percent. The bottle itself is designed as a replica of a traditional half-liter Piedmontese bottle from the 1700s, complemented by a label style dating back to the late 1600s, reflecting the historical heritage of the Bersano estate.
The history of the wine
Below, you can delve into the history of this wine — its producer, grape, area, and region.
Piedmont
Piedmont (which literally means "at the foot of the mountain") is located in northwestern Italy, surrounded by the Alps. It is considered one of the world's absolute most prestigious wine regions. The area is known for small, passionate, family-run wineries and a huge focus on terroir (how the soil and microclimate affect the wine).
Classic characteristics of Piedmont:
The royal wines: This is where the world-famous, complex and expensive red wines Barolo and Barbaresco come from (both made from 100% Nebbiolo).
Everyday heroes: In addition to Nebbiolo, the region is famous for the grapes Barbera (juicy, acidic and incredibly popular) and Dolcetto (dark, soft and fruity).
The white and sweet: Piedmont also makes the crisp white wine Gavi and the famous, lightly sparkling dessert bubbles Moscato d'Asti.
The landscape: Dramatic, steep hills – especially in the Langhe sub-area. The hills are often shrouded in thick morning mist in autumn, which protects the grapes and allows for a long, perfect ripening.
Gastronomy: An absolute mecca for food lovers. The area is world famous for the exclusive white truffles from Alba, hazelnuts and rich, simmered dishes that scream with a glass of local red wine.
When this wine was made, the world looked very different. Here are some of the stories that unfolded while this bottle quietly aged in its cellar.
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How it handles
you your wine
Storage
Store the bottle horizontally at 12–14°C and avoid direct sunlight, vibrations, and temperature fluctuations.
Opening
Allow the bottle to stand upright for 24–48 hours before opening to allow sediment to settle. Use a professional corkscrew and open carefully.
Enjoyment
Serve at 17–18°C and be patient – there is a great difference in how and how quickly wines open up when they are aerated.
GUIDE TO THE GOOD WINE EXPERIENCE
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