DOCG Barbaresco D.O.C.G. wines awarded at the Gilbert & Gaillard International Challenge

Denominazione di Origine Controllata e Garantita

The Barbaresco appellation covers the communes of Barbaresco, Neive and Treiso, together with part of the San Rocco Seno d'Elvio hamlet attached to the commune of Alba, in the province of Cuneo, Piedmont. The vineyards lie on the Langhe hills on the right bank of the Tanaro river, whose proximity moderates the region's continental climate and allows the grapes to ripen slightly earlier than in neighbouring Barolo. The soils are calcareous marl of the Tortonian epoch, rich in limestone and clay. Nebbiolo is the sole grape variety permitted. Smaller than the Barolo zone, which spans eleven communes, the Barbaresco area shows greater consistency of soil and climate across its three main villages.

The wines of this appellation

Barbaresco produces red wines exclusively. Their colour is garnet red with ruby highlights, turning to orange tones with age. The nose, shaped by nebbiolo, ranges from floral notes such as violet, wild rose and geranium to fruit such as apple, cherry and peach, gaining spice as the wine matures. On the palate, the firm acid-tannic structure of youth settles with ageing. Compared with Barolo, Barbaresco wines are generally softer, with rounder tannins, and tend to be more approachable in their youth while still holding good ageing potential. They pair well with mushroom dishes and white Alba truffle, aged cheeses, roasted red meats and poultry, and blue cheeses served with honey and hazelnuts.