Wines Worth Exploring: Barbaresco from Piedmont, Italy
I’ve been reminiscing about our incredible trip to Piedmont, Italy (read about it here). Between truffle hunting, long meals, and winery visits, it was a vacation we’ll never forget. Beyond its relaxed pace and celebrated cuisine, Piedmont is home to two of Italy’s most renowned wine regions: Barolo DOCG and Barbaresco DOCG. While Barolo may get more attention, Barbaresco offers a refined, approachable expression of Nebbiolo that’s equally worth seeking out.
Discovering Barbaresco
The Region
Piedmont lies in Northwestern Italy and is known for red grapes like Nebbiolo, Barbera, and Dolcetto, and whites like Cortese and Moscato. Within Piedmont, the neighboring DOCGs of Barolo and Barbaresco are where Nebbiolo reaches its best expression. Barbaresco is smaller than Barolo, with vineyards spread mainly across the villages of Barbaresco, Neive, and Treiso. Its lower altitude and slightly warmer climate create wines that often feel more graceful and approachable in youth.
The Grape
Barbaresco must be made from 100% Nebbiolo, a late-ripening variety whose name comes from nebbia, the autumn fog that blankets the hills. It’s notoriously tricky to grow but produces wines of remarkable character. In Barbaresco, Nebbiolo delivers high acidity and tannins balanced by delicate aromas of roses, sour cherries, dried herbs, and violets. With time, it develops more savory notes of truffles, tar, and leather.
Aging & Styles
By law, Barbaresco must age at least 26 months before release, including nine months in oak. Riserva bottlings require a minimum of 50 months, also with nine months in oak. Traditional producers often use large Slavonian oak casks, while others prefer smaller barriques. These choices lead to subtle differences in the final style. Thanks to Nebbiolo’s high tannin and acidity, Barbaresco has the ability to evolve beautifully for 10–20 years.
Structure & Flavor
Nebbiolo is famous for combining elegance with intensity. Barbaresco tends to show softer tannins and a slightly fruitier character than Barolo, making it more accessible at an earlier stage. However, the core traits remain, including perfumed aromatics, bright acidity, and a balance of power and finesse.
Food Pairings
Barbaresco shines alongside Piedmont’s signature dishes — pasta with truffles, mushroom risotto, or braised meats. It’s also pairs well with tomato-based pastas, roasted chicken, or eggplant parmesan.
Producers to Try
To experience Barbaresco at its best, look for bottles from Produttori del Barbaresco, Bruno Giacosa, Ceretto, Sottimano, or Piero Busso. Each brings a slightly different expression of this small but extraordinary appellation.
Interested in more Wines Worth Exploring? Discover Txakoli from Spain’s Basque region.
