Wines Barbaresco Albino Rocca - 2020

Viniou Reviews

Albino Rocca’s 2020 Barbaresco DOC is a quintessential expression of Nebbiolo from one of Piedmont’s most highly regarded appellations. The wine is crafted exclusively from Nebbiolo grapes, hand-harvested from vineyards located on the rolling hills surrounding Barbaresco village. The 2020 vintage experienced a relatively mild winter followed by a warm summer, allowing the grapes to achieve optimum ripeness while retaining the grape’s hallmark acidity. Fermentation traditionally takes place in stainless steel, with ageing in large oak casks to preserve Nebbiolo’s delicate aromatics and build fine, integrated tannins.

The Barbaresco region, nestled in the heart of Piemonte, is famed for its calcareous marl soils and a climate shaped by the Tanaro River. Its cooler, foggy mornings and sunny afternoons offer ideal maturation conditions for Nebbiolo. Barbaresco’s history is deeply intertwined with Italian viticulture, and its wines are renowned for their subtlety, finesse, and elegance compared to the neighbouring Barolo, often becoming approachable a few years earlier but gaining complexity with cellaring.

Pairing this Barbaresco is a pleasure. Given its structure, aromas of rose, violet, tart cherry and hints of truffle, the wine is ideally matched with classic Piemontese dishes such as tajarin pasta with white truffle, braised veal or beef cheek, or risotto al Barolo. It also complements wild mushroom risotto, roasted game birds, or even mature cheeses like Castelmagno or Parmigiano Reggiano, which beautifully balance the wine’s acidity and tannins.

For optimal enjoyment, decant the wine about an hour before serving to allow its bouquet to open fully, revealing layers of red fruit, dried flowers, and earthy undertones. Serve at a temperature between 16-18°C to highlight its aromatic finesse and supple texture. This wine promises both immediate pleasure and further reward with a few years of careful cellaring.