Barbaresco Red Wines
The Queen of Italian Wines
Barbaresco is often called the queen of Italian wines, along with Barolo - the king. Both red wines are made from the Nebbiolo grape. However, Barbaresco is softer and considered more feminine than its Barolo counterpart. The noble red wine has undoubtedly earned the first-class predicate. It is characterized by great elegance and harmony. Barbaresco goes perfectly with a variety of meats such as veal, pork and poultry. Like all great wines of Piedmont, it also has great ageing potential.
What makes Barbaresco wines so special?
Varietal purity
Each Barbaresco wine is made from 100% Nebbiolo grape variety. This varietal purity is a typical quality characteristic of many great Piedmont red wines and distinguishes them from the famous blends of other wine countries. In addition, Barbaresco wines are first-quality site wines. This means that the grapes come only from the cru declared on the wine label.
Taste
Barbaresco is a dry red wine with full body and velvety texture. It has aromas of black cherries and raspberries, and also shows notes of licorice, tobacco, violets and roses. It is famous for its ethereal fragrance as well as its velvety smoothness. Barbaresco wines are also considered harmonious, elegant and complex. They are tannic yet balanced.
Production area
The area where Barbaresco is produced consists of 4 zones in the Langhe region of Piedmont. They are called Barbaresco, Neive, Treiso and Alba (San Rocco Seno di Elvio). The area under cultivation is about 770 hectares. Here, 150 winemakers produce 4.8 million bottles each year, which are extremely popular among wine connoisseurs.
Quality
Barbaresco wine can be marketed only 3 years after the harvest, starting from January 1. It must age for at least 26 months after the harvest, including 9 months in an oak barrel of any size. Barbaresco has enjoyed DOC status since 1966 and DOCG since 1980, placing it at the highest quality level of Italian wines.
Did you know that until the end of the 19th century there was only the Barolo area and Barolo wine? It was only then that some winegrowers from Barbaresco got together and founded the Cantina Sociale cooperative in the village in 1894. With this vintage they produced the first wine they called Barbaresco.
The most important facts about Barbaresco at a glance:
Wine style: always dry
Grape variety: 100% Nebbiolo
Origin: Piedmont
Color: dark red
Body: complex, full
Bouquet: harmonious, elegant
Aromas: violets, cherries, raspberries, roses, licorice, tobacco, tar and truffles
Tannin content: high
Acidity: high
Alcohol content: minimum 12.5% by volume
Ideal serving temperature: 17 to 20 °C
Piedmont - the cradle of extraordinary wines
Barbaresco red wine is named after the municipality of Barbaresco, located in the heart of the Piedmont production area. The other communes that belong to the Barbaresco area are Neive, Treiso and Alba. The lush hilly landscape begins as you drive from Asti toward the Langhe. The flagship of Barbaresco is the tower, visible from many points. The idyllic wine village has many wonderful restaurants and a fantastic "enoteca regionale".
The road leading to Barbaresco will also take you to Neive, Treiso and Alba. Along this route there are several wonderful Barbaresco crus: Gallina, Albesani, Asili, Montestefano and Ronchi, to name a few. The tradition of the region is reflected in the family histories of the local wineries. For generations, Barbaresco winemakers have worked quietly and consistently to build the international reputation of this wonderful wine.
Don't miss the other high-quality red wines from Piedmont in our exquisite range and treat yourself to first-class pleasure.
A perfect combination of Nebbiolo grapes and ideal climatic conditions
Barbaresco wines have always been less powerful, less tannic and accessible earlier than Barolo wines. The reason for this lies primarily in the location of the Barbaresco growing area. The warmer climate of neighboring Liguria has a decisive influence on the conditions for growing grapes. Cooler winds in summer and warmer winds in winter create different conditions compared to the Barolo area. Thus, the ripening period in the Barbaresco region is shorter and the grape harvest takes place earlier than in the Barolo zone. As a result, Barbaresco wines usually have softer tannins, more elegance, but still complexity and body.
The grape variety is used to make many famous Nebbiolo wines in Piedmont, including our Barolo wines and Roero wines.
Buy first class Barbaresco online at Babarolo
Be inspired by our wide range of exquisite Barbaresco wines. We source all of them directly from local winemakers. The artisanal, sustainable and passionate production is typical of the small family wineries that live the Piedmontese tradition and culture. Buy Barbaresco at Babarolo - here you get first-class quality at fair prices!
FAQ: Buying Barbaresco - what you should know
What is Barbaresco?
Barbaresco is a wine made from the Nebbiolo grape in the Piedmont region of northwestern Italy. It is considered one of the great wines of the world and is characterized by its intense aromas of roses and tar. Flavors of violets, black cherries and truffles are also typical of Barbaresco wines.
What color is Barbaresco?
Barbaresco has a dark ruby red color. The wine gets this from the Nebbiolo grape, which is naturally high in anthocyanins - the pigments that give red fruits and wines their color.
What is the ideal drinking temperature for Barbaresco wines?
The ideal drinking temperature for Barbaresco wines is around 17 to 20 °C. At this temperature all the flavors and aromas of the wine are released and are thus most pronounced.
How long should a good Barbaresco be stored?
The shelf life and aging potential of Barbaresco wines are excellent. On average, the shelf life is 12 to 28 years, depending on the quality of the vintage. The wine gains complexity and refines its flavor profile as it ages. Very rarely does it lose some of its fruitiness over time. It is best to store Barbaresco horizontally in a cool, dark place - ideally, of course, in the wine cellar.
Do Barbaresco wines need to be decanted?
Yes, decanting makes sense. Barbaresco needs oxygen to open up and develop its aromas. This can be achieved either by swirling the wine in the glass or by decanting it into a fresh vessel. As a rule, the popular red wine is decanted for about an hour. This also allows the sediment that has formed in the bottle to be drained with minimal contact with the wine.
What dishes go well with Barbaresco wines?
A wine as large and complex as Barbaresco pairs quite well with flavorful foods such as beef, lamb, game and Italian dishes such as Risotto al Barolo. Because it is a full-bodied red wine, it generally pairs well with stronger meats, but also with hard cheeses like Parmesan or Grana Padano. Barbaresco tastes best with food, but of course you can also enjoy it on its own.
Which glasses are suitable for Barbaresco?
For optimal enjoyment, a drinking vessel in the style of a Burgundy glass is optimal. It has a wide bowl and tapers towards the top so that the Barbaresco can breathe and the aromas can develop in the best possible way.
How much does a bottle of Barbaresco cost?
Barbaresco is one of the most expensive wines in the world because it is high quality, sustainable, organic and made by hand. It is not one of the mass-produced wines and also comes from a very limited region in Italy. The Nebbiolo grape, which is only found in Piedmont, is used to produce Barbaresco. The high demand for these wines also contributes to the high price. Per bottle, wine lovers pay at least 20 euros.