Le Tastevin Wine Club - Barbaresco – September 12, 2018

Our last Barbaresco tasting was back in September of 2009. Named after a town of approximately 600, it is 10 miles north of Barolo, near Alba. It found its roots as a distinct area in the late 1800s, is formed the original consortium in 1894 but folded early due to 20th Century wars and general poverty. The new consortium, started by a local priest in 1958 with 19 producers, was brought back to notice by Angelo Gaja and Bruno Giacosa in the 1960s. Today, the consortium has over 60 producers on 270 acres (avg. less than 5 acres per producer) making around 300K cases per year. Recovery to today's status is remarkable when considering that until 1964 it had no running water, and used a cistern to collect rain water.

The characteristic Barbaresco is typically 14-14.5% alcohol, using 100% Nebbiolo grape. It is dark red in color that lightens to a brick red with age. Typically recommended for drinking within 8-10 years, although Riserva usually extends that (15 was confortable in the last tasting). Barbaresco is one-third the size and output of Barolo (which also uses 100% Nebbiolo), and is reputed to mature sooner and be softer (less tannin) with more finesse than Barolo. The area tried new oak in the 1990s, but retreated. Produttori del Barbaresco traditionally uses large casks. There are 9 cru in PdB, with Riserva only made in good years.

Starter

NV Prosecco, Bisol

2007 Barbaresco - featuring Produttori del Barbaresco Riserva (PdB)

Chianti Classico Riserva, Ruffino
Barbaresco Asij, Ceretto
Barbaresco Bric Balin 2004, Moccagatta
Montefico Riserva 2001, PdB
Montefico Riserva 2007, PdB
(Commune) Riserva 2007, PdB
(Commune) Riserva 2013, PdB
Ovello Riserva 2007, PdB
Pora Riserva 2007, PdB
Rabaja Riserva 2007, PdB
Asili Riserva 2007, PdB
Rio Sordo Riserva 2007, PdB
Montestefano Riserva 2007, PdB

Images of Wines Sampled

Page last updated: October 26, 2018 (EB)