Barbaresco DOCG 2018

Barbaresco DOCG 2018 / Vinchio Vaglio / Piedmont

Red wine from Italy

Barbaresco is one of the noblest incarnations of the Nebbiolo grape, produced in an area not far from that of classic Barolo, in a very limited area on the course of the Tanaro River, just north of Alba, in the municipalities around Barbaresco. Although the name Barbaresco, according to legend, dates to the time of a Ligurian and then Roman settlement called Barbaritium, the most believable story is relatively recent, as the first documented mention of this wine relates to one of the many battles that took place during the late 18th century War between the Austrian and French troops under Napoleon. Here it is recorded that the Austrians celebrated with Barbaresco wine after a brief victory.

But what exactly distinguishes the Barbaresco from the famous Barolo, where both wines are made from the same grape variety? The Barbaresco vineyards grow at a lower altitude than those of the nearby Barolo area. As a result, they are exposed to greater “heat”, which then results in the sugar ripening earlier. The development of the polyphenols also takes a different course, which then has an impact on the colour, bouquet, taste, and texture of the wine.

The manual harvest takes place in the first half of October. After thinning and careful selection, the grapes are harvested in the morning and delivered to the wine cellar in the afternoon to keep the grapes in optimal condition for the start of the winemaking process. Vinification begins after the grapes have been gently pressed, by transferring the must to vertical fermenters at a controlled temperature. Alcoholic fermentation with maceration lasts about 40 days at an initial temperature of 23°C, which gradually reaches 28°C, to optimally extract the aromas from the grape and the polyphenolic substances contained in the skin. The malolactic fermentation and maturation of Barbaresco DOCG by Vinchio Vaglio takes place in 40 Hl barrels made of Slavonian oak for about 18 months, which gives the product the elegance and rigor that are typical of Nebbiolo-based wines.

With its bright ruby red colour, the wine cooperative Vinchio Vaglio, located in the picturesque village of Vinchio between the famous cities of Asti and Alba, produces a Barbaresco that is pleasant, intense and ethereal on the nose with notes of flowers and aromas of dried fruit in the background. On the palate, the “little brother” of the Barolo is dry, warm, full, a bit tart and yet velvety. Its finish is persistent and harmonious.

At an ideal serving temperature of around 17 degrees Celsius, the Barbaresco DOCG from Vinchio Vaglio unfolds its full splendour and becomes a truly delightful companion to pasta with hearty meat sauces. But that's not all: it pairs equally well with a variety of meat dishes such as tender beef fillet, juicy lamb chops, braised beef, or delicate game dishes. The structured tannins and abundance of wine aromas seamlessly blend with the rich flavour profile of red meat, adding an extra dimension to every bite. The earthy nuances of Barbaresco particularly complement pasta dishes accompanied by delicate mushroom sauces like truffles, porcini, or morels. Here, the wine's texture and enticing mushroom aromas combine to create a truly perfect symbiosis. Poultry dishes such as succulent roasted duck breast or tender chicken, infused with aromatic herbs, also find their ideal match in a glass of Barbaresco. The delicate meat flavours of poultry are wonderfully accentuated by the complexity and finesse of the wine. But that's not all: Barbaresco also reveals its enchanting allure with grilled meats or smoked delicacies like delicate salmon or aromatic ham. The smoky notes of the dishes complement the structured tannins of the wine to create a flawless liaison. A piece of Parmesan or Pecorino completes the enjoyment of Barbaresco, adding an additional nuance to the experience. The salty, savoury nature of the cheese forms a fascinating contrast to the structured tannins and fruity aromas of the wine, making it a true delight for the palate and senses.

General properties

• Vintage: 2018
• Ageing: Dry
• Country: Italy
• Region: Piedmont
• Volume: 0.75 litres

Detailed properties

• Producer and bottler: Vinchio Vaglio - Regione San Pancrazio 1 - 14040 Vinchio (AT) - Italia - +39 0141 950903
• Quality Designation: Denominazione di Origine Controllata e Garantita (DOCG)
• Grape variety: 100% Nebbiolo.
• Soil texture: Calcareous and sandy.
• Average growing height: 250 m above sea level.
• Orientation of the vineyard: South.
• Vine training and vine density: Guyot. 3500 vines per hectare.
• Harvest: In the first half of October, the grapes are handpicked in the morning after thinning and careful selection, and then delivered to the winery in the afternoon in small perforated crates to maintain optimal conditions for the beginning of the vinification process..
  
• Winemaking: After destemming and pressing the grapes, the must is transferred to vertical fermentation tanks with controlled temperature. The alcoholic fermentation with maceration lasts approximately 40 days at an initial temperature of 23°C, gradually increasing to 28°C to optimize the extraction of the grape variety's aromas and polyphenolic substances present in the skins.
• Maturation: The malolactic fermentation and aging occur in Slavonian oak barrels of 40 hectolitres for approximately 18 months, imparting the product with the typical elegance and austerity of Nebbiolo wines.
• Sensory characteristics: On the nose, pleasant, intense, ethereal, with floral notes and hints of dried fruit. Dry, velvety, warm, full-bodied, persistent, and harmonious on the palate. Overall, fantastically austere.
  
• Colour: Bright ruby red with possible orange reflections.
  
• Alcohol content: 14.5 % Vol.
• Stopper: Natural cork
• How to serve: Ideal for pasta with meat sauces and various meat dishes such as beef fillet, lamb chops, and game. Its flavours complement mushroom sauces and poultry dishes as well as grilled meats and smoked foods. Parmesan or Pecorino are ideal accompaniments. Nice contemplation wine.
• Recommended serving temperature: At around 17°C.
  
• Allergens: Contains sulfites.
• EAN (bottle): 8030227039028
• Scope of supply: 1 bottle of wine 0.75 litres.

Grape variety

NEBBIOLO

The Nebbiolo grape variety proudly calls the Piedmont region in northwest Italy its home. Flourishing in the gentle hills of this area, it bestows its magnificence upon some of Italy's most renowned red wines, foremost among them the majestic Barolo and the elegant Barbaresco. Situated in the eastern part of Piedmont, Barbaresco crowns the Nebbiolo grape as its queen as it unfolds its essence in this territory. In contrast to the robust Barolo, Barbaresco unveils a somewhat lighter and more approachable demeanour, shaped by the diverse climatic conditions and soil types of the region. The history of the Nebbiolo grape in the area stretches far back, possibly to the 13th century. However, it wasn't until the 19th century that winemaking in Barbaresco began its ascent, marked by the grapes of this region being labelled as distinct Barbaresco wines for the first time. The official recognition of Barbaresco wine as DOC came in 1966, ensuring its origin and quality according to clear regulations. Over the course of the last decades of the 20th century, Barbaresco gained international acclaim, becoming one of Italy's most outstanding red wines. The soils of this region, rich in limestone, marl, and sandstone, provide an ideal foundation for cultivating Nebbiolo grapes. Their excellent drainage ensures the grapes receive just the right amount of moisture to thrive. Nebbiolo plants are distinguished by their large, slightly elongated, dark green leaves, sometimes with a hint of reddish shimmer on the leaf stems. The grapes, small and loose in structure, bear berries ranging from dark blue to black, with a robust, thick-skinned appearance. Nebbiolo vines ripen from medium to late, requiring a longer growing season to fully mature. Harvest typically occurs from late September to early October. The fruits exhibit remarkable acidity and a considerable amount of tannins, imparting structure and longevity to the wines derived from them. In the aromas of Nebbiolo wines, one often finds sweet notes of red fruits like cherries and raspberries, accompanied by subtle floral nuances such as rose petals and a hint of spicy, earthy tones that underscore their unique personality.

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