Wine Information & Reviews | Vino Critic
Pronunciation – Bar-bah-res-koh
Barbaresco comes from the northwest of Italy in the wine region of Piedmont or Piemonte. It was initially created as a variation to Barolo and is now recognised as the very famous “little brother” of Barolo. It is also quite a big and bold wine with high structure and a large bouquet of aromas, but slightly lighter and fresher when compared to Barolo. The aging requirements for Barbaresco are also slightly less when compared to Barolo.
Barbaresco is made from Nebbiolo. Nebbiolo as a grape variety is lightly pigmented and has a very distinct orange color, when compared to the darker ruby hues of other varieties.
Primary Notes – Tart and dried red fruits, such as cranberries and cherries. Red floral notes, violets and potpourri, more perfumed than Barolo.
Secondary/Tertiary Notes – A bit “organic” like damp earth or turned soil
Body – Moderate plus
Finish – High acidity, Lighter tannic structure than Barolo due to soil, zero sweetness
Typical ABV – 12.5-14.5%
The styles of Barbaresco fall into two categories. The older winemakers of the region prefer heavier styles of wine that are required to be aged for around 8 to 10 years before their prime. These types of wines will develop tertiary aromas due to the aging, making them quite complex. The younger generation of winemakers tend to produce wines that can be drunk young and do not require an excessive amount of aging. These are dominated by fruit aromas and less earthy characteristics.
Notable Wines Made From Barbaresco are those coming from certain communes/sub-regions within the Barbaresco region. Look for these names on the label: Neive and Trieso
Barbaresco is a DOCG indicating it is of the highest level of quality, according to the Italian wine classification system.
Barbaresco, like its brother Barolo, is often considered a “gastronomic” wine. This means it can work really well with food since it is relatively complex in terms of aroma and structure. Heartier meals and stronger meats would work well with powerful wines like Barbaresco.
Barbaresco recommended serving temperature – 68ºF (20ºC)
As mentioned earlier, Babaresco has 2 styles when it comes to winemaking. The lighter styles require only about 5 years to reach their prime while the wines coming from older winemakers tend to need about 8 years to mellow down and be ready to drink.
Barbaresco being a DOCG and one of the highest quality wines coming from Italy, the price will reflect that. However, it is possible to find wines starting at around $25.
One glass of Barbaresco (5.5 oz) has about 110 calories.
Many experts argue that the 1971 Santo Stefano Barbaresco Riserva Speciale is Italy’s best wine ever!
Barbaresco is often nicknamed the “Queen of Italian wines”
Some vineyards in Barbaresco have a metal booth with a horn aimed at the sky which can generate a powerful sound wave in order to prevent hail from destroying the vines.
Barbaresco is a bold and dry red wine, made from the Nebbiolo grape in the northern Italian region of Piedmont. It is often represented as the younger brother of Barolo – which is made in a neighboring appellation. While Barbaresco … Read More