Barbaresco DOCG
Barbaresco DOCG: the elegance of Nebbiolo
History and origins
The origins of Barbaresco are shrouded in history and legend. Some claim that the Gauls were drawn to Italy by the fame of the wine from Barbaritium, while others suggest the name derives from the “barbarian” populations that contributed to the fall of the Roman Empire.
In ancient times, the Barbaresco area was covered by an impenetrable forest, a refuge for the Ligurians fleeing Roman cavalry. Due to its isolated location, the Romans called it “silva barbarica,” which later evolved into Barbaritium and eventually Barbaresco.
In the 19th century, Professor Domizio Cavazza, the first principal of the Royal Enological School of Alba, helped define Barbaresco, contemporaneously with Cavour, Marchesa Falletti, and the House of Savoy, who “baptized” Nebbiolo grown in Barolo. Since then, Barbaresco and Barolo have shared a path of growth and appreciation, culminating in the founding of the Consortium in 1934, the attainment of DOC status in 1966, and DOCG status in 1980.
Production area
The Barbaresco production area includes the municipalities of Barbaresco, Treiso, and Neive in their entirety, as well as part of the municipality of Alba.
Organoleptic characteristics
Made exclusively from Nebbiolo grapes, Barbaresco stands out for its intense and brilliant ruby-red color, which tends to develop garnet hues with aging. Its aroma is intense and refined, with notes of raspberry, red fruit jam, geranium, violet, green pepper, cinnamon, nutmeg, hay, wood, toasted hazelnut, vanilla, and anise. On the palate, it is elegant and harmonious, with velvety tannins and a pleasant freshness.
To be designated as “Riserva,” Barbaresco must age for at least four years, including nine months in oak barrels. Its aging potential is remarkable, reaching its peak between 5 and 10 years, but it can evolve positively even beyond.
Additional Geographical Mentions (MGA)
In 2007, the Consortium, in collaboration with the Enoteca and the Province of Cuneo, delineated the areas eligible for Additional Geographical Mentions, emphasizing the specificity of certain terroirs.
