Viniou Reviews
The 2019 Barbaresco DOC from Produttori del Barbaresco is a remarkable example of Nebbiolo, Piedmont’s most noble grape variety, known for producing long-lived and compelling reds. In this vintage, the wine showcases the classic profile expected from a Barbaresco: a luminous ruby hue, an aroma profile brimming with red cherries, rose petals, and delicate hints of tar and truffle, all wrapped in finely woven tannins. The vinification process is traditional, with extended maceration and careful barrel ageing, allowing the Nebbiolo to fully express its complexity, elegance, and subtle power in the glass.
Barbaresco hails from the heart of the Piedmont region, specifically the rolling hills around the commune of Barbaresco, where the unique combination of calcareous marl soils and a distinctly continental climate with warm days and cool nights allows Nebbiolo to ripen fully while retaining freshness and aromatic lift. The history of Barbaresco as a separate appellation dates back to the late nineteenth century, with a tradition of producing wines that are slightly more graceful and approachable in youth compared to their Barolo counterparts. Produttori del Barbaresco, a cooperative established in 1958, has consistently championed quality and authenticity, often regarded as one of the benchmarks of the appellation.
When it comes to food pairings, Barbaresco’s structure and aromatic intricacy make it a stellar match for rich northern Italian dishes. Traditionally, it pairs beautifully with brasato al Barbaresco (beef braised in the wine itself), truffle risotto, or tajarin pasta with a veal and porcini ragù. It also complements aged cheeses such as Castelmagno or a mature Parmigiano-Reggiano. Beyond regional fare, try it with roast lamb, duck, game birds or wild mushroom dishes to draw out its earthy undertones.
For optimal enjoyment, decant the wine for an hour to let its seductive bouquet blossom and serve at 16-18°C. This will allow the fine tannins to soften and the complex flavours to unfold gracefully across the palate.
