Barbaresco (2016)

About this wine

The 2017 Barbaresco from Cantina del Nebbiolo presents a complex bouquet featuring mature berry, botanical herb, leather, and violet aromas. On the palate, it offers flavors of dried black cherry and tobacco, supported by polished, fine-grained tannins. This full-bodied red wine is already approachable but also offers good mid-term aging potential. Barbaresco, made from the Nebbiolo grape, is known for its ability to develop greater complexity and softer tannins as it matures. The 2017 vintage has been well-received, with Wine Enthusiast awarding it 91 points, highlighting its quality and appeal.

About the grape

Nebbiolo is a red grape variety native to Italy's Piedmont region, renowned for producing the esteemed Barbaresco wine. The name 'Nebbiolo' is believed to derive from 'nebbia,' the Italian word for 'fog,' referencing the thick fogs common during its late October harvest. This grape is notably finicky, requiring specific conditions to thrive, such as south or southwest-facing hillsides with calcareous marl soils, which are prevalent in the Barbaresco area. Historically, Nebbiolo grapes from Barbaresco were often sold to Barolo producers until 1894, when Domizio Cavazza founded the Cantina Sociale di Barbaresco, marking the beginning of Barbaresco's recognition as a distinct wine region.

Quick facts

• 🌫️ The name 'Nebbiolo' is derived from the Italian word 'nebbia,' meaning 'fog,' referencing the intense fog that envelops the Langhe region during the late October harvest.
• 🏅 Barbaresco was granted Denominazione di Origine Controllata e Garantita (DOCG) status in 1980, recognizing its superior quality and strict production standards.
• 🤝 The Cantina del Nebbiolo cooperative, founded in 1959 by 23 winemakers, has grown to include 180 members, producing wines from the Roero hills and renowned areas like Barbaresco and Barolo.
• 🍷 The 2017 vintage of Cantina del Nebbiolo's Barbaresco received a 91-point rating from Wine Enthusiast, highlighting its quality and appeal.
• 🌹 Barbaresco wines are known for their complex aromas of ripe red fruit and spicy overtones, with a warm, mouth-filling flavor and soft tannins, offering great elegance and an excellent finish.

Palate profile

Producer

Cantina del Nebbiolo, located in Vezza d'Alba, Italy, traces its origins to 1901 when parish priest Don Augusto Vigolungo established a cooperative winery to produce white wine for Holy Mass. The cooperative faced challenges during the World Wars but was revitalized in 1959 by 23 local winemakers, leading to their first harvest in 1960. Today, the winery boasts 180 members cultivating 340 hectares of vineyards, primarily in the Roero hills and esteemed areas like Barbaresco and Barolo. Emphasizing sustainable agriculture, Cantina del Nebbiolo produces a diverse range of wines that reflect the rich viticultural heritage of the region.