Barbaresco Wine Region

The picturesque fog-shrouded hills of Piedmont are home to vineyards that produce some of the world's best wines. The indigenous red variety Nebbiolo guards the success of this region, which has been designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Barbaresco is a small wine region with a population of roughly 700 people who consider viticulture and winemaking to be more than just a job, but a way of life. Barbaresco, one of Italy's most well-known and adored red wines, is known as the "Queen of Wines." It was one of the first wines in Italy to be granted DOC designation in 1966. Later on, it received the DOCG top certification in 1980. What makes the famed Barbaresco wine region exceptional? We've decided to talk about some important details here.

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Where is the Barbaresco Wine Region?

A village whose life is strongly related to the production of the world's most famous wines is located not far from Alba, the capital of Lange, or rather, 10 kilometers from it. Barbaresco is the name of the province of Cuneo where it is produced. Barbaresco DOCG is almost on the border with the province of Asti, which is also well-known for its wineries, according to the Lange map. Barbaresco stands out, stretching along a long hill with its stunning tower visible from several local roads and hills.

The History of Barbaresco wine region

Barbaresco has a long history that dates back to 1894, when the Cantina Sociale di Barbaresco was founded. Up until this point, Nebbiolo grapes were mostly used to make Barolo. Domizio Kavazza, the organization's founder and agronomist from Modena, had a key role in the establishment of the new brand. In 1886, a young man purchased his own vineyard and dedicated his life to the cultivation of Nebbiolo and the development of new wines. Consumers loved Barbaresco right away, but the First World War put a stop to the new wine's triumphant march, and when Signor Cavazza passed in 1915, there was no one to promote it. 

Then came the phylloxera epidemic and WWII, when Barbaresco was nearly non-existent, and what was produced was of poor quality. The varietal was revived in the late 1950s thanks to winemakers Bruno Giacosa and Angelo Gaja, and the brand was launched on the international market ten years later.

In 1933, the Barbaresco winemaking zone was established, and in 1966, it was given a formal designation: Barbaresco DOC, which was then upgraded to Barbaresco DOCG in 1980. Barbaresco is one of the few wines in the world, and the only one in Italy, whose production legislation requires the names of all vineyards, known as Crù, to be strictly followed.

Unique terroir of Barbaresco appellation

The Barbaresco winemaking region, like Barolo, is located on the right bank of the Tanaro River, although the slopes here are gentler and lower than in Barolo, rising only to 500 meters in Treiso. The soils are calcareous marl, with sand, limestone, and clay present. Barbaresco soils are richer in nutrients than Barolo soils, hence the vines do not produce tannin-rich grapes like those found in Barolo wines. The vineyards cover a total of 684 hectares.

Barbaresco - Queen of the Wines

Barbaresco wine comes in two varieties: Barbaresco and Barbaresco Riserva, both of which can be labeled with the name of the vineyard where the harvest was harvested. Barbaresco wines are aged for 26 months, with 9 months in a barrel, while Barbaresco Riserva is aged for 50 months, with 9 months in a barrel.

Barbaresco grapes are 100% Nebbiolo. The aromas of Barbaresco wines are similar to those of Barolo, they are difficult to distinguish in a "blind" tasting, but they are distinguished by taste and texture: Barbaresco wines are more elegant and refined, and Barolo wines are powerful and structural. Usually, Barbaresco wines can be drunk earlier than Barolo, but at the same time, they have great aging potential.

Classification of Barbaresco wines

Barbaresco wines can be conditionally classified by districts of production. The peculiarities of the climate in one or another part of the country have an impact on the aroma bouquets of drinks. Here are wine-producing districts where the famous Italian wine is made:

• Barbaresco. The vineyards continue west towards Alba, not far from the village of the same name, along a twisting ridge of the mountain. Long ago, it was on this land that "experiments" with Nebbiolo grapes began. The majority of the wines produced here are young. Their color is not so intense, but the body and aroma are quite powerful.
• Neive. There are only a few Nebbiolo vineyards in this area. The wines that local producers receive, on the other hand, are more valuable. The wines have a strong flavor and scent. They're regarded as a paradigm of excellence like a true Barbaresco should be.
• Treiso. The wines produced in the area are beautiful and delicate, with a subtle bouquet. 
• San Rocco Seno d'Elvio. This region produces 9% of all Barbaresco wines, yet it is only partially included in the Barbaresco wine-making area.

Food to Pair with Barbaresco wine

Vitello tonnato

A hearty Piedmontese entrée made with white wine-marinated and tender-boiled veal drowned in a silky tuna, anchovy, and caper sauce is known as tonnè in the local dialect.  Capers, parsley, anchovies, and lemon slices are all traditional garnishes.

Tajarin al tartufo bianco d'Alba

Tajarin al tartufo bianco is a pasta dish flavored with tartufo bianco d'Alba, a local delicacy. Tajarin (also written taglierini and tagliolini) pasta is seasoned with butter, pepper, and freshly grated white truffles in this simple dish.

Even though truffles provide abundant flavor, a sprinkling of Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese is often used to finish this treat, which is made even richer when served with a glass of Barbaresco wine.

Gnocchi al Castelmagno

Gnocchi al Castelmagno is a traditional Italian dish and a Cuneo speciality. It's cooked with potato gnocchi, butter, milk or cream, and Castelmagno, a DOP cheese from the region. The gnocchi are combined with a sauce made of butter, cubed Castelmagno cheese, and cream. 

Places to visit in Barbaresco

Turin -The capital of the Italian Baroque

Turin is a unique city included in the list of 250 most interesting places in the world. It is just a stone's throw from the Alps, not far from Milan and the borders with France and Switzerland. It was once chosen by the Italian kings for their main residences, and the density of palaces per square kilometer is off the scale here.

Definitely worthwhile to pay a visit.

Royal Residences of Savoys

The magnificent Royal Residences that the Savoys had built between the 17th and 18th Centuries, as well as the hunting lodges, vacation resorts, and venues of court life, are truly an immersion into these ancient seats of power, as well as the hunting lodges, holiday resorts, and venues of palace. Together, they form a massive architectural complex that the Savoys intended as symbols of their own ultimate supremacy.

The Sacri-Monti Chapels

The chapels of Sacri-Monti are true works of art worthy of Michelangelo's brush. Each of them occupies a distinct hill, and the path to them is adorned with artistic compositions on the theme of Jesus Christ's way of the cross.

Elegant artwork and gorgeous statues grace the inside of the structures. These chapels are fascinating as extraordinary human constructions that have been successfully inscribed in the scenic grandeur of the surrounding nature.

Interesting facts about Barbaresco

Guns against the hail clouds

Hail is a common occurrence in the area, destroying a considerable number of vineyards. As a result, the winemakers' cooperative and the Barbaresco village administration decided to allocate funds for the purchase of 15 guns. Unusual structures like gigantic gramophones began to develop across the village. A metal booth with a horn aiming at the sky generates a powerful sound wave that should prevent ice from forming in the cloud.

A cell phone can be used to control sound anti-hail guns. Winemakers say it's convenient and they're not as concerned about the harvest as they were previously.

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Frequently Asked Questions about Barbaresco Wine Region