Barbaresco is a great Piedmontese red wine and an aristocratic symbol of ancient and legendary origins. In ancient times, the location where the village of the same name stands today was covered by a forest so dense that the Ligurians who took refuge there found protection from the Roman cavalry. It was precisely because it remained outside the boundaries of their domains that the Romans called it "barbarica silva": this expression gave rise to the ancient toponym Barbaritium, which later evolved into its current name. Produced from Nebbiolo grapes grown in the northern Langhe, it is released on the market after a minimum maturation period of 26 months, at least 9 of which in wooden barrels. The identification of the most suitable cru (Asili, Rabajà, Gallina, Pajoré and others) and the work of legendary producers have brought this wine of excellence into the spotlight worldwide. Today it deserves its place among the most prestigious and long-lived Italian red wines: the best versions can evolve and mature in the bottle for decades.
Barbaresco is a great Piedmontese red wine and an aristocratic symbol of ancient and legendary origins. In ancient times, the location where the village of the same name stands today was covered by a forest so dense that the Ligurians who took refuge there found protection from the Roman cavalry. It was precisely because it remained outside the boundaries of their domains that the Romans called it "barbarica silva": this expression gave rise to the ancient toponym Barbaritium, which later evolved into its current name. Produced from Nebbiolo grapes grown in the northern Langhe, it is released on the market after a minimum maturation period of 26 months, at least 9 of which in wooden barrels. The identification of the most suitable cru (Asili, Rabajà, Gallina, Pajoré and others) and the work of legendary producers have brought this wine of excellence into the spotlight worldwide. Today it deserves its place among the most prestigious and long-lived Italian red wines: the best versions can evolve and mature in the bottle for decades.
Barbaresco is one of the main examples of the grape variety that is the symbol of the Piedmontese winemaking tradition, like Barolo, although its production is only permitted in the municipalities of Neive and Treiso, as well as in the municipality of the same name. The vine of Barbaresco is Nebbiolo, a native black grape of ancient origin, from which very elegant wines with great ageing potential are obtained. The term that gives the vine its name derives from the word 'nebbia' (fog), because of the visual appearance of the berries, clouded by bloom and never perfectly shiny. It is also due to the long ripening time that sees the harvest take place until late autumn, when the landscape is covered in fog.
The origins of this vine in the restricted territory where Barbaresco is produced are very ancient: the first evidence of its cultivation dates back to 1200 and involves land rental contracts that refer to the cultivation of "vitibus neblorii". The various mentions in treaties and official documents follow one another in documents dating back to the 1600s and 1800s, where the cultivation areas and enological preferences of the nobility of the time are described. The use of these grapes continued until 1894, when the expert and passionate agronomist from Modena, Domizio Cavazza, together with 9 other growers, officially established the Barbaresco wine growers' cooperative, which is today renowned and known worldwide.
After a decrease during World War II, production resumed around the end of the 1950s thanks to brilliant producers who, together with the parish priest Don Fiorino, established the producers' cooperative to continue the work started by Cavazza, but interrupted in 1915 with his passing. The success and great accomplishments of the vine in this area of the northern Langhe are due to the dry, marly soil and the gentle hills with the ideal exposure to the sun. The hilly altitude in these areas is between 220 and 310 metres above sea level.
The Barbaresco DOCG is the result of the high quality grapes produced in the Langhe. It is a delicate red wine with pomegranate shades that become more garnet-coloured with ageing. The typical aromas are those of violets, berries and wild spices, with rich and complex tones. The taste is dry, full, structured and well balanced, with important tannins and a long persistence. Flavour, freshness and smoothness come together in an elegant balance. The uniqueness of these wines is found in the distinctive features of the soils in which they are produced, which combined with an often very traditional winemaking process gives them a decisive, complex and very expressive personality. The long ageing times in wooden barrels, which can reach several years, require adequate oxygenation to allow all the organoleptic characteristics to be fully appreciated. Stewed red meats, game, roasts, seasoned and blue cheeses such as gorgonzola are the perfect pairings to bring out the unique and exclusive qualities of this Barbaresco DOCG, which is often distinguished by its excellent value for money.
The continuous quest for perfection in the creation of the highest quality wine has led producers in the Langhe area to create authentic recipes and rigid production rules, such as those used by Angelo Gaja for the production of the exclusive and renowned Gaja Barbaresco. This product has evolved over time in the pursuit of a personal identity without being trapped in traditions, and is able to narrate its story in every wine glass.
Among the most historic producers, Roagna, Bruno Giacosa and Albino Rocca have also assumed a leading role. Other big names that, in recent years, have risen to the top of the denomination are those of La Spinetta, Ceretto and Prunotto.
On Callmewine you can find Barbaresco for sale online at the best price on the web. Discover its characteristics, the sommelier's advice and the best pairing suggestions on Callmewine's wine shop.