Appellation · Piedmont · Italy
Barbaresco
Barolo's elegant younger sibling - 66 MGA, softer tannins, earlier drinking
733hectares of vines
Grapes Nebbiolo
History
Late 1950s dynamic winemakers Bruno Giacosa and Angelo Gaja revitalized Barbaresco. Parish priest Don Fiorino Marengo founded Produttori del Barbaresco cooperative cellar. DOC 1966, DOCG 1980 (same as Barolo). 66 MGA crus system established 2007-2010. Tannins soften quicker than Barolo, making wines more approachable earlier.
At a glance
- Climate
- Continental south of Tanaro River; maritime influence allows earlier Nebbiolo ripening than Barolo; milder microclimate
- Signature wines
- Angelo Gaja Barbaresco and Bruno Giacosa Barbaresco Asili - benchmark elegant Nebbiolo expressions; Produttori del Barbaresco cooperative (founded by Don Fiorino Marengo)
- What sets it apart
- 66 MGA crus (vs Barolo 181); Tanaro River maritime influence ripens Nebbiolo earlier; softer tannins, earlier drinking; 26-month aging (vs Barolo 38); Bruno Giacosa + Angelo Gaja 1950s revival
- 733 hectares vineyards (484ha early 1990s)
- DOC 1966
- DOCG 1980
- 66 MGA crus (65 approved 2007, +1 in 2010)
- Tanaro River maritime influence
- earlier drinking than Barolo