Barbaresco
Barbaresco, seen as the more elegant counterpart of Barolo, spreads over 763 ha under vines (a third of Barolo’s ha), and is divided into four communes.
The Nebbiolo grape is said to ripen earlier here because of the gentler altitude – up to 450 metres – and the proximity to the Tanaro river. The legal guidelines for ageing reflect this, requiring only 26 months minimum of ageing for Barbaresco compared to 38 months for Barolo. Along with altitude, soil variations are another reason for their flavour differences: Barolo and Barbaresco are both limestone-based soils, but Barbaresco's soil is comparatively younger. Stylistically, Barbaresco is often described as a more elegant version of Barolo but, like its neighbour, its wines can come in a diverse spectrum of styles and are never without energy and power.
Read More
Barbaresco
Photo
AI Chat
-
Inc. TAX€866.14 -
Vinous (94)
The 2016 Barbaresco Cottà shows all the density and power that is typical of this site in Neive, qualities that are further amplified by the smaller cask used for this tiny production bottling. Dark cherry, plum, graphite, licorice, spice and menthol add to an impression of gravitas in this powerful, muscular Barbaresco from Albino Rocca.Inc. TAX€427.19 -
Vinous (93)
The 2018 Barbaresco Cottá shows the mid-palate pliancy and depth that is typical of this site, but in the gracious, understated style that defines the Rocca Barbarescos today, especially in this vintage. Succulent dark cherry, plum, spice and leather all flesh out in the glass. Give it a few years to soften.Inc. TAX€322.54 -
Wine Advocate (94+)
With fruit from a half-hectare south-facing parcel in Neive, the 2021 Barbaresco Cottà is not as immediately floral or fragrant as the village Barbaresco presented this year by Albino Rocca. This wine opens at a slower pace to reveal dark cherry fruit, candied orange peel and smoky licorice. It's a slow-moving Barbaresco that continues to show more depth and interesting angles the longer it stays in the glass. This bottle registers the highest alcohol content (at 15%) of the three single-vineyard expressions presented this year. Only 2,300 bottles were made.Inc. TAX€510.94 -
(6x75cl) 2018Vinous (94)
The 2018 Barbaresco Ovello Vigna Loreto marries depth, energy and the pedigree of this site. There is real intensity here. Firm Ovello tannins wrap around sweet red cherry, leather, spice, menthol and licorice. Bright saline notes and piercing young Nebbiolo tannins extend the finish effortlessly. This is a super-classic expression of Ovello.Inc. TAX€449.27 -
(6x75cl) 2019
Wine Enthusiast (96)
Iris, rose and baking spice aromas take center stage on this beautiful red. It's young and tight but already delicious, featuring ripe red cherry, star anise and ground clove set against a backbone of bright acidity and noble tannins. It will age well for years. Drink 2029–2039.Inc. TAX€469.19 -
(6x75cl) 2020Inc. TAX€386.87 -
Wine Advocate (93)
The Ovello MGA opens to a big horizon overlooking the Tanaro River valley. For that reason, this cru site is usually characterized by slightly higher temperatures and more humidity. The Albino Rocca 2021 Barbaresco Ovello Vigna Loreto (with fruit from 50-year-old vines) is slightly timid compared to the other wines in this portfolio. I'd suggest giving it more time in bottle in order to flesh out those aromas of dark fruit and licorice. Only 2,900 bottles were made.Inc. TAX€689.74 -
Vinous (92+)
(90% new barriques) Deep ruby-tinged red. Aromas of redcurrant, cherry, tobacco and mocha. Fat and round but bright, and sweetened by the substantial oak component. Flavors lifted by a dried flower element. Finishes very long, with huge, tongue-dusting but fine tannins that arrive late. This too will require patience.Inc. TAX€906.67 -
Vinous - Stephen Tanzer (91-94)
(aged in 60% new barriques) Saturated medium ruby color. Sappy aromas of black cherry and currant. Sweet, rich and chewy, with terrific depth of fruit and texture. Perhaps a bit international in style, but a wine of compelling richness. Finishes with big, broad, very fine tannins.Inc. TAX€906.67 -
Vinous (95)
The 2018 Barbaresco Ronchi is another gorgeous wine in this lineup from Rocca. As always, the Ronchi is a Barbaresco of breadth and power. In 2018, those qualities are expressed in a decidedly understated manner. Wild cherry, plum, sage, tobacco and menthol are all kicked up in this super-expressive Barbaresco. Hints of orange peel, spice, star anise and sweet ptpe tobacco grace the layered, exquisite finishInc. TAX€322.54 -
Vinous (96)
The 2019 Barbaresco Ronchi is a deep, potent wine. In this tasting, the Ronchi impresses with its stature, aromatic presence and textural intensity. Dark red cherry, red plum, cinnamon, rose petal and dried flowers emerge with a bit of coaxing, but the Ronchi is one of the least giving wines in the range today. I would cellar it for at least a few years. It is another wine where elegance and power meld together.Inc. TAX€329.99 -
Inc. TAX€290.14 -
Wine Advocate (94)
The Albino Rocca 2021 Barbaresco Ronchi shows a dusty mineral quality that adds to the elegance of the bouquet. Beyond that, you get nicely ripened Nebbiolo fruit with wild cherry and redcurrant. It fleshes out over the palate with tart flavors and chalky tannins. Production is 9,000 bottles.Inc. TAX€549.59 -
(6x75cl) 2016Inc. TAX€850.79 -
Inc. TAX€675.46 -
Vinous (94)
A gorgeous, young wine, the 2017 Bolgheri Superiore Matarocchio is rich and sumptuous, with generous dark fruit, chocolate, spice and torrefaction notes. Silky tannins give the 2017 a decidedly nuanced feel to match its mid-weight personality.Inc. TAX€1,124.99 -
Wine Advocate (93)
This is a difficult wine to find in the marketplace and it is rarely presented for official review. In fact, the last time it was produced was way back in 2008. The 2014 Barbaresco sees fruit sourced from the lower part of the Asili cru with some smaller amounts from Rabajà. This is a very opulent and rich expression with forward determination and power. This is an unusual vintage with a cool summer and a very warm pre-harvest period. It produced interesting wines specifically in Barbaresco and almost nowhere else in Northern Italy. The quality of fruit is ripe and a touch sweet. Its texture is succulent and soft. The wine feels like it could be ready to drink now, but it also has the pedigree and beautiful inner structure for long cellar aging.Inc. TAX€715.19 -
Inc. TAX€181.00 -
Inc. TAX€879.59 -
(6x75cl) 1993Vinous (89)
The 1993 Barbaresco Santo Stefano is a perfect wine to start the evening, as it introduces a number of themes without being so serious or important as to be overpowering. Sweet tobacco, leather and a host of fully mature, tertiary notes give the wine its distinct personality. There is plenty of depth to the fruit, but the aromatics are fully tertiary. For that reason, any remaining bottles are best finished off sooner rather than later.Inc. TAX€2,084.63 -
(6x75cl) 2001Vinous (94+)
I am shocked (pleasantly, I must say), by how closed the 2001 Barbaresco Santo Stefano is. Powerful, tightly wound and totally closed down, the 2001 exudes class. Orange rind, tobacco and smoke add striking aromatic complexity to the intense dark fruit. Today, the tannins are surprisingly intense and raw, so readers will have to be patient. The 2001 is superb, but the wine’s full personality will not be on display for at least another few years. There is a good bit of upside here.Inc. TAX€2,018.63 -
(6x75cl) 2004Vinous (96)
The 2004 Barbaresco Santo Stefano shows the pedigree of this great Piedmont vintage. An ample, complex wine, the 2004 fills out in all directions with myriad of aromatics and layers of flavor. Dark red stone fruit, exotic spice, leather and licorice all develop in the glass. The wine’s pure textural finesse and creaminess show what makes the finest 2004s so appealing.Inc. TAX€4,970.63 -
(6x75cl) 2007Vinous (95)
Good full red. Aromas of currant, camphor, mocha and cedar lifted by an exotic floral perfume. Silky-sweet, precise and intense, with superb calcaire lift to the red fruit and spice flavors. Wonderfully juicy and imploded wine, finishing with serious but very fine-grained tannins and terrific length.Inc. TAX€1,605.59 -
(6x75cl) 2004Wine Advocate (98)
The 2004 Barbaresco Riserva Asili is even more compelling than the Rabaja. It floats on the palate with an ethereal core of sweet fruit that calls to mind a profound Musigny, but with the unmistakable structure of Nebbiolo. The perfumed purity of the fruit carries all the way through to the deeply satisfying, resonating finish. Made in a soft, seductive style, this remarkable wine is decidedly more approachable and easy to appreciate today than the Rabaja. Giacosa fans will have a great time discussing the merits of the Rabaja and the Asili in 2004, but to me they are virtually equally moving; Asili for its feminine gracefulness and Rabaja for its size and power. The Asili should prove more accessible at an earlier age. Bruno Giacosa says his 2004 Asili Riserva will turn out to be just like his 2000 Asili Riserva, the wine he still thinks is the best he's ever made. Anticipated maturity: 2010-2025.Inc. TAX€5,326.54 -
(3x150cl) 2005Vinous (95)
The 2005 Barbaresco Asili is a jewel of a wine. I suppose the 2005 doesn't have the sweetness not finesse of the very best vintages, but it comes very, very close. The ineffable Asili perfume comes through beautifully in a sensual, complete Barbaresco that will thrill Giacosa fans. Rose petal, mint, plum and cinnamon are some of the many nuances that inform the silky, inviting finish.Inc. TAX€2,510.63 -
Vinous (94)
Things kicked up several notches with a flight of Barbareschis from the famed Asili vineyard. Asili is in the village of Barbaresco, where the wines are generally more feminine than in Neive. The best wines from this site have great aromatics and fine, silky tannins. The 2007 Barbaresco Asili was once again explosive. I expect the wine will settle down nicely with further bottle age, but at this stage lots of baby fat came through.Inc. TAX€2,475.59 -
Vinous (93)
(white label): Captivating flower perfume lifts aromas of raspberry, menthol and mint. Seamless in texture but a bit youthfully imploded, offering terrific red fruit intensity without weight. Quite spicy for Asili. Nicely balanced, silky, floral Barbaresco, finishing with continuing spice notes as well as serious, building tannins for Asili.Inc. TAX€1,178.63 -
Vinous (94)
The 2012 Barbaresco Asili is the finest wine I have tasted from Bruno Giacosa since the 2007 vintage. A bright, beautifully translucent red, the 2012 Asili captures the essence of this great site in its perfumed aromatics, silky fruit and understated depth. Hints of orange zest, rose petal, cinnamon and pine are laced into the resonant, alluring finish. Already quite open and expressive, the 2012 should drink well for the next decade or so. Giacosa fans will find much to admire in the sexy, open-knit 2012 Asili. This is a tremendous showing, and one of the very best 2012s readers will come across.Inc. TAX€841.19 -
James Suckling (95)
Very perfumed and pretty with cherry, dried fruit and orange peel. Hints of sandalwood, too. Full body, layered and refined. Smoke, tar and spice aftertaste to the fruit. Drink in 2019.Inc. TAX€863.99
-
In Bond€698.00
-
Vinous (94)
The 2016 Barbaresco Cottà shows all the density and power that is typical of this site in Neive, qualities that are further amplified by the smaller cask used for this tiny production bottling. Dark cherry, plum, graphite, licorice, spice and menthol add to an impression of gravitas in this powerful, muscular Barbaresco from Albino Rocca.In Bond€333.00 -
Vinous (93)
The 2018 Barbaresco Cottá shows the mid-palate pliancy and depth that is typical of this site, but in the gracious, understated style that defines the Rocca Barbarescos today, especially in this vintage. Succulent dark cherry, plum, spice and leather all flesh out in the glass. Give it a few years to soften.In Bond€245.00 -
Wine Advocate (94+)
With fruit from a half-hectare south-facing parcel in Neive, the 2021 Barbaresco Cottà is not as immediately floral or fragrant as the village Barbaresco presented this year by Albino Rocca. This wine opens at a slower pace to reveal dark cherry fruit, candied orange peel and smoky licorice. It's a slow-moving Barbaresco that continues to show more depth and interesting angles the longer it stays in the glass. This bottle registers the highest alcohol content (at 15%) of the three single-vineyard expressions presented this year. Only 2,300 bottles were made.In Bond€402.00 -
(6x75cl) 2018
Vinous (94)
The 2018 Barbaresco Ovello Vigna Loreto marries depth, energy and the pedigree of this site. There is real intensity here. Firm Ovello tannins wrap around sweet red cherry, leather, spice, menthol and licorice. Bright saline notes and piercing young Nebbiolo tannins extend the finish effortlessly. This is a super-classic expression of Ovello.In Bond€352.00 -
(6x75cl) 2019
Wine Enthusiast (96)
Iris, rose and baking spice aromas take center stage on this beautiful red. It's young and tight but already delicious, featuring ripe red cherry, star anise and ground clove set against a backbone of bright acidity and noble tannins. It will age well for years. Drink 2029–2039.In Bond€368.00 -
(6x75cl) 2020In Bond€300.00
-
Wine Advocate (93)
The Ovello MGA opens to a big horizon overlooking the Tanaro River valley. For that reason, this cru site is usually characterized by slightly higher temperatures and more humidity. The Albino Rocca 2021 Barbaresco Ovello Vigna Loreto (with fruit from 50-year-old vines) is slightly timid compared to the other wines in this portfolio. I'd suggest giving it more time in bottle in order to flesh out those aromas of dark fruit and licorice. Only 2,900 bottles were made.In Bond€551.00 -
Vinous (92+)
(90% new barriques) Deep ruby-tinged red. Aromas of redcurrant, cherry, tobacco and mocha. Fat and round but bright, and sweetened by the substantial oak component. Flavors lifted by a dried flower element. Finishes very long, with huge, tongue-dusting but fine tannins that arrive late. This too will require patience.In Bond€708.00 -
Vinous - Stephen Tanzer (91-94)
(aged in 60% new barriques) Saturated medium ruby color. Sappy aromas of black cherry and currant. Sweet, rich and chewy, with terrific depth of fruit and texture. Perhaps a bit international in style, but a wine of compelling richness. Finishes with big, broad, very fine tannins.In Bond€708.00 -
Vinous (95)
The 2018 Barbaresco Ronchi is another gorgeous wine in this lineup from Rocca. As always, the Ronchi is a Barbaresco of breadth and power. In 2018, those qualities are expressed in a decidedly understated manner. Wild cherry, plum, sage, tobacco and menthol are all kicked up in this super-expressive Barbaresco. Hints of orange peel, spice, star anise and sweet ptpe tobacco grace the layered, exquisite finishIn Bond€245.00 -
Vinous (96)
The 2019 Barbaresco Ronchi is a deep, potent wine. In this tasting, the Ronchi impresses with its stature, aromatic presence and textural intensity. Dark red cherry, red plum, cinnamon, rose petal and dried flowers emerge with a bit of coaxing, but the Ronchi is one of the least giving wines in the range today. I would cellar it for at least a few years. It is another wine where elegance and power meld together.In Bond€252.00 -
In Bond€218.00
-
Wine Advocate (94)
The Albino Rocca 2021 Barbaresco Ronchi shows a dusty mineral quality that adds to the elegance of the bouquet. Beyond that, you get nicely ripened Nebbiolo fruit with wild cherry and redcurrant. It fleshes out over the palate with tart flavors and chalky tannins. Production is 9,000 bottles.In Bond€435.00 -
(6x75cl) 2016In Bond€686.00
-
In Bond€551.00
-
Vinous (94)
A gorgeous, young wine, the 2017 Bolgheri Superiore Matarocchio is rich and sumptuous, with generous dark fruit, chocolate, spice and torrefaction notes. Silky tannins give the 2017 a decidedly nuanced feel to match its mid-weight personality.In Bond€926.00 -
Wine Advocate (93)
This is a difficult wine to find in the marketplace and it is rarely presented for official review. In fact, the last time it was produced was way back in 2008. The 2014 Barbaresco sees fruit sourced from the lower part of the Asili cru with some smaller amounts from Rabajà. This is a very opulent and rich expression with forward determination and power. This is an unusual vintage with a cool summer and a very warm pre-harvest period. It produced interesting wines specifically in Barbaresco and almost nowhere else in Northern Italy. The quality of fruit is ripe and a touch sweet. Its texture is succulent and soft. The wine feels like it could be ready to drink now, but it also has the pedigree and beautiful inner structure for long cellar aging.In Bond€573.00 -
In Bond€147.00
-
In Bond€710.00
-
(6x75cl) 1993
Vinous (89)
The 1993 Barbaresco Santo Stefano is a perfect wine to start the evening, as it introduces a number of themes without being so serious or important as to be overpowering. Sweet tobacco, leather and a host of fully mature, tertiary notes give the wine its distinct personality. There is plenty of depth to the fruit, but the aromatics are fully tertiary. For that reason, any remaining bottles are best finished off sooner rather than later.In Bond€1,715.00 -
(6x75cl) 2001
Vinous (94+)
I am shocked (pleasantly, I must say), by how closed the 2001 Barbaresco Santo Stefano is. Powerful, tightly wound and totally closed down, the 2001 exudes class. Orange rind, tobacco and smoke add striking aromatic complexity to the intense dark fruit. Today, the tannins are surprisingly intense and raw, so readers will have to be patient. The 2001 is superb, but the wine’s full personality will not be on display for at least another few years. There is a good bit of upside here.In Bond€1,660.00 -
(6x75cl) 2004
Vinous (96)
The 2004 Barbaresco Santo Stefano shows the pedigree of this great Piedmont vintage. An ample, complex wine, the 2004 fills out in all directions with myriad of aromatics and layers of flavor. Dark red stone fruit, exotic spice, leather and licorice all develop in the glass. The wine’s pure textural finesse and creaminess show what makes the finest 2004s so appealing.In Bond€4,120.00 -
(6x75cl) 2007
Vinous (95)
Good full red. Aromas of currant, camphor, mocha and cedar lifted by an exotic floral perfume. Silky-sweet, precise and intense, with superb calcaire lift to the red fruit and spice flavors. Wonderfully juicy and imploded wine, finishing with serious but very fine-grained tannins and terrific length.In Bond€1,315.00 -
(6x75cl) 2004
Wine Advocate (98)
The 2004 Barbaresco Riserva Asili is even more compelling than the Rabaja. It floats on the palate with an ethereal core of sweet fruit that calls to mind a profound Musigny, but with the unmistakable structure of Nebbiolo. The perfumed purity of the fruit carries all the way through to the deeply satisfying, resonating finish. Made in a soft, seductive style, this remarkable wine is decidedly more approachable and easy to appreciate today than the Rabaja. Giacosa fans will have a great time discussing the merits of the Rabaja and the Asili in 2004, but to me they are virtually equally moving; Asili for its feminine gracefulness and Rabaja for its size and power. The Asili should prove more accessible at an earlier age. Bruno Giacosa says his 2004 Asili Riserva will turn out to be just like his 2000 Asili Riserva, the wine he still thinks is the best he's ever made. Anticipated maturity: 2010-2025.In Bond€4,415.00 -
(3x150cl) 2005
Vinous (95)
The 2005 Barbaresco Asili is a jewel of a wine. I suppose the 2005 doesn't have the sweetness not finesse of the very best vintages, but it comes very, very close. The ineffable Asili perfume comes through beautifully in a sensual, complete Barbaresco that will thrill Giacosa fans. Rose petal, mint, plum and cinnamon are some of the many nuances that inform the silky, inviting finish.In Bond€2,070.00 -
Vinous (94)
Things kicked up several notches with a flight of Barbareschis from the famed Asili vineyard. Asili is in the village of Barbaresco, where the wines are generally more feminine than in Neive. The best wines from this site have great aromatics and fine, silky tannins. The 2007 Barbaresco Asili was once again explosive. I expect the wine will settle down nicely with further bottle age, but at this stage lots of baby fat came through.In Bond€2,040.00 -
Vinous (93)
(white label): Captivating flower perfume lifts aromas of raspberry, menthol and mint. Seamless in texture but a bit youthfully imploded, offering terrific red fruit intensity without weight. Quite spicy for Asili. Nicely balanced, silky, floral Barbaresco, finishing with continuing spice notes as well as serious, building tannins for Asili.In Bond€960.00 -
Vinous (94)
The 2012 Barbaresco Asili is the finest wine I have tasted from Bruno Giacosa since the 2007 vintage. A bright, beautifully translucent red, the 2012 Asili captures the essence of this great site in its perfumed aromatics, silky fruit and understated depth. Hints of orange zest, rose petal, cinnamon and pine are laced into the resonant, alluring finish. Already quite open and expressive, the 2012 should drink well for the next decade or so. Giacosa fans will find much to admire in the sexy, open-knit 2012 Asili. This is a tremendous showing, and one of the very best 2012s readers will come across.In Bond€678.00 -
James Suckling (95)
Very perfumed and pretty with cherry, dried fruit and orange peel. Hints of sandalwood, too. Full body, layered and refined. Smoke, tar and spice aftertaste to the fruit. Drink in 2019.In Bond€697.00
