Barbaresco

An Italian Adventure

Barbaresco DOCG

Barbaresco, from the comune of the same name, is a wine for the connoisseur

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The country road to Barbaresco from Neive winds around an open bowl of land dedicated to the nebbiolo grape, with its characteristic tall vines, and with spectacular views.

Vineyard

The harvest is just in. Autumn is upon us and the vines are turning russet brown

Vineyard

As the vines face the sun the vineyards make fascinating shapes as they curve over the gentle slopes.

The village of Barbaresco has given its name to this prestigious wine. It lies along a promontory of land, perched high above the valley of the River Tanaro. There are fine views across the valley from the belvedere behind the church.

River Tanaro

The Tanaro is the largest river in Monferrato

River valley

The farms and woods in the valley contrast with the vineyards on the hills

The wine

Another wine for the connoisseur, Barbaresco DOCG (Denominazione d'origine controllata e garantia) is produced 100% from the nebbiolo grape, so the wine is strong and powerful. The guarantee is given by independent government inspectors.

When young, the tannins in this wine are overwhelming, so it is not released to market until it is at least two years old (4 years for a riserva) and is actually at its best when 5 - 10 years of age.

Between 3 and 4 million bottles are produced annually, and the minimum alcohol content is 12.5%.

Considered by some to be a 'baby Barolo', when mature, Barbaresco is gentler and more approachable but with a strong bouquet, and a complex taste which lingers on the tongue.

The Barbaresco enoteca and several private wineries in the village offer tastings. We were made most welcome by the Minuto Fratelli (Brothers) at Via Torino 54 (opposite the church on the right), who let us sample their excellent wines.

Barbaresco should be poured very slowly, half-fill the glass to best experience the bouquet, and to savour the taste take small sips.

The very best recent vintages are 1996, 1997, 1999 and 2001.

Wine tasting

These large glasses are ideal for savouring the rich bouquet of Barbaresco

Enoteca

The Enoteca in the centre of the village is housed in a former church, which retains its frescoed walls and ceilings.

The village

Barbaresco is a small, linear village spread out along the promontory over the Tanaro valley, and a delightful stroll. Park by the side of the road. There are cafes and restaurants and there may be a small street market. The Tourist Information Office is in Via Torino, and has a particularly good selection of books about the area, its wines and gastronomy.

The church, castle and belvedere are at the far extremity of the comune.

End of the road

The church and belvedere lie at the far end of the Via Torino

The Church

The south front basks in the November sunshine

Sculpture

The fine details are typical of even the smallest parish churches

Sundial

It's just after one o' clock, apparently, although to put this clock 'back' you would have to take the wall down !

More information (in Italian) can be found at www.barbaresco.it

Barbaresco is just 20 miles from Casa della Fontana. To get there, head towards Alba, the capital of the Langhe region, and as you pass below the village of Neive, the comune is signposted to the left.

E mail: kerrie@anitalianadventure.co.uk

0039 0141 851 154