Barbaresco DOCG

One of Italy’s most noble and prestigious wine names, Barbaresco DOCG is often called the “younger brother of Barolo”, yet it has its own distinct personality — softer, more elegant, and quicker to reveal its charm. This wine is made exclusively from the ‘Nebbiolo’ grape, grown in the Langhe hills of northwestern Piedmont, around the villages of Barbaresco, Neive, Treiso, and part of San Rocco Seno d’Elvio.

The appellation was officially established in 1966 and granted DOCG status in 1980, making it one of Italy’s first wines to achieve the country’s highest classification. Barbaresco is considered the area where Nebbiolo expresses a more refined and graceful character than in Barolo, while retaining depth and structure.

The climate here is slightly warmer than in Barolo — the hills are lower, and the grapes ripen a few weeks earlier. This results in softer tannins, slightly lower alcohol, and wines that open up earlier.

The soils are composed mainly of calcareous clay and marl (Tortonian formations), lending smoothness, aromatic clarity, and excellent balance between tannin and acidity.

The aroma reveals rose petals, violets, dried cherries, tobacco, spices, resin, and forest floor notes, which with age evolve into truffle, leather, and dried fruit nuances.

On the palate, Barbaresco stands out for its silky tannins, firm structure, and long, complex finish. While young wines may appear tight and reserved, after a few years of aging they become remarkably harmonious and refined.

By regulation, Barbaresco must be aged at least 26 months, including 9 months in oak barrels. The Riserva version requires a minimum of 50 months of aging. This maturation period allows the wine to develop balance, depth, and aromatic complexity.