BARBARESCO
Wine with Controlled and Guaranteed Designation of Origin
Barbaresco is a red wine of particular prestige, whose quality has also been sanctioned by Italian law: in 1966 it was recognized as a Doc wine and in 1980 as a Docg. These recognitions mean that the production of Barbaresco is subject to a specification, that is, a set of rules to be respected in order to use this prestigious name on the label. In this area, Nebbiolo has a cultivated area of 763.19 ha, from which an average production of 4.500.000 bottles of Barbaresco is obtained every year.
BARBARESCO IS PRODUCED ONLY IN THE TERRITORY OF FOUR MUNICIPALITIES:
Alba (for the hamlet of San Rocco Seno d'Elvio on the right side of the stream), Barbaresco, Neive and Treiso for the entire municipal territory. There are also altitude and exposure limits that still circumscribe the suitable areas. It is forbidden to plant it in the north, as well as in the valley bottoms on flat land or above 550 meters.
IT MUST BE AGED FOR 26 MONTHS OF WHICH AT LEAST 9 IN OAK BARRELS.
The size of the barrel is not specified but only the type of wood, for which barrique, tonneau, large Piedmontese barrel, Allier oak as well as Slavonian oak are permitted. In aging we always talk about the minimum so it is normal for the wine to actually rest in the cellar for longer. If Barbaresco is a Riserva then it means that it has spent 50 months in the cellar.
IN 1966, BARBARESCO WAS ONE OF THE FIRST ITALIAN DOC.
In 1980 Barbaresco became a DOCG , which guarantees a higher level of protection with even greater controls. Finally, in 2007 , Barbaresco was the first Italian wine to boast the Additional Geographical Mentions .
BARBARESCO IS TRADITIONALLY PAIRED WITH TYPICAL DISHES OF PIEDMONT CUISINE.
It is ideal with game, intensely flavored meat dishes and mature cheeses. It should be served in large glasses at a temperature of around 18°.
BARBARESCO IS A WINE PRODUCED ONLY WITH 100% NEBBIOLO GRAPES (FROM THREE MAIN CLONES):
Michet, Lampia and Rosé
BOTTLED BARBARESCO CAN ONLY BE SOLD AFTER JANUARY 1ST THREE YEARS FOLLOWING THE HARVEST
In general, the presentation of the new vintage takes place in spring (in May , during the Barbaresco a Tavola event, dinners with blind tasting of the new Barbaresco DOCG vintage in the restaurants of the production area)
BARBARESCO CANNOT BE SOLD IN RETAIL EXCEPT IN A BOTTLE.
The formats allowed are half bottles of 0.375, whole bottles of 0.75, magnums of 1.5, double magnums of 3 liters and finally tombolotti of 5 litres.
THE ORGANOLEPTIC CHARACTERISTICS OF BARBARESCO CAN BE SUMMARIZED AS FOLLOWS:
Garnet red color with orange reflections; ethereal, pleasant and intense scent; dry, full and delicate, velvety, rightly tannic flavour.
GRADATION
The wine must have an alcohol content of at least 12.5% vol.
CONSORTIUM FOR PROTECTION AND PROMOTION
There is a special Protection and Promotion Consortium representing Barolo, Barbaresco and other Langa denominations, which ensures that producers respect the rules and above all takes action to combat fraud, imitations, fakes and improper names.
VINIFICATION AND AGING MUST ALSO TAKE PLACE WITHIN THE DOCG PRODUCTION AREA.
There are very few exemptions, granted for proven historical reasons, to some wineries outside the Monferrato and Roero area and to a greater number of Barolo and Dogliani wineries, which can therefore vinify and/or age Barbaresco outside the area. However, bottling is free.
STORAGE
Barbaresco can be stored in the cellar for 8 to 25 years, depending on the vintage.