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.
Barbaresco
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Vinous (94)
The 2017 Barbaresco Montestefano is open-knit and radiant, which makes it a terrific choice for drinking now and over the next 15-20 years. Sweet tobacco, cedar, spice and leather are some of the many notes that grace the 2017, a wine that marries the natural intensity of the year with the super-classic style that is the house signature. Grippy but well balanced tannins round out the persistent finish.د.إ2,210.00 -
Vinous (91)
The 2018 Barbaresco Montestefano shows the lighter style of the year. Sweet perfumed and nuanced, the 2018 is an attractive, easygoing wine to drink now and over the next handful of years. Dried cherry, mint, cedar and tobacco. All of the house signatures are present, but in a decidedly smaller scaled style. In exchange, the 2018 will drink nicely right out of the gate. I would not push my luck on aging.د.إ1,990.00 -
Experience the richness of Italian wine-making with the 'Rizzi Barbaresco 2016'. This Nebbiolo-based wine hails from the esteemed Rizzi estate, located in the heart of the Piedmont region. These vineyards are known for their marl and clay-enriched soils, providing the ideal conditions for grape cultivation. Each batch of grapes is handpicked at optimal ripeness to ensure the finest quality. The 2016 vintage exhibits intricate layers of complexity. Intense yet ethereal, it hosts a tantalising bouquet of red cherries and roses, balanced by hints of spice and earthiness. Enticing tannins and a gentle acidity complement its robust structure, signifying the wine’s excellent ageing potential.
A decade-long cellaring term testifies the dedication and genius of Enrico Dellapiana, the mastermind vintner behind this creation. Crafted meticulously, every sip of Rizzi Barbaresco 2016 reflects the tradition and passion embedded in every vine of the Rizzi estate.د.إ564.00 -
(6x75cl) 2016The Rizzi Barbaresco Nervo 2016, hailing from the esteemed wine region of Piedmont, Italy, is a veritable masterpiece from the highly respected Rizzi winery. This iconic Nebbiolo-based red boasts exquisite complexity, embodified by engrossing layers of red fruit, rose petal, mint, sweet pipe tobacco and anise.
Expertly crafted by enologist Enrico Dellapiana, this sophisticated vintage adheres to time-honoured winemaking processes. The grapes are hand-picked and macerated before prolonged ageing in both large oak barrels and barriques, to develop its seamless structure and alluring, long finish.
The Rizzi Barbaresco Nervo 2016 is a testament to Rizzi's uncompromising dedication to producing terroir-expressive wines of unrivalled finesse. The Nervo vineyard in Barbaresco is celebrated for producing crowning jewels in Piedmontese winemaking, and this exceptional vintage only heightens that reputation.
Well-structured yet harmoniously balanced, the Rizzi Barbaresco Nervo 2016 is the epitome of elegance. A captivating choice for any discerning palate.
د.إ627.00 -
Wine Advocate (95)
Drawing its fruit from a leased vineyard in Neive, the Roagna 2014 Barbaresco Albesani opens to a medium ruby color with pretty garnet highlights. The wine is redolent of dark fruit, dried cherry, tilled earth and black licorice. There is much more aromatic intensity here than you might expect given the rather subtle and nuanced appearance the wine makes in the glass. The soils in Albesani are fundamentally calcareous, and these conditions add to the perfumed and fragrant qualities you get here. Production for this wine is 230 cases (of 12 bottles each).د.إ2,570.00 -
Vinous (93)
The 2015 Barbaresco Albesani is gracious, floral and lifted, which is not common in Albesani, where the wines tend to be more powerful. Bright acids and lively tannins give the 2015 its shape and energy. This translucent, inviting Barbaresco has so much to offer.د.إ2,595.00 -
Wine Advocate (94)
The Pajè vineyard is among the most calcareous in terms of soil composition within the entire Barbaresco appellation. The vines are 50 years old, and those six years of barrel and bottle aging are absolutely necessary. This plot is a little under two hectares in size, and this site has been in family hands since 1953. In fact, Roagna is releasing all its expressions from 2013 at the same time. Thanks in part to the relative youth of the vines (young I suppose only by Roagna standards), the 2013 Barbaresco Pajè's aromas are large in scale and generally more fleshed out. The tannins are also a bit more dry or astringent. The wine shows deep contrasts between the sweet nature of the bouquet and the very sharp nature of the mouthfeel.د.إ2,575.00 -
Wine Enthusiast (98)
Structured but also loaded with finesse, this opens with earthy aromas of truffle, blue wildflowers, new leather and ripe dark-skinned berries. Juicy and delicious, the full-bodied palate doles out succulent Morello cherry, crushed raspberry and licorice before closing on a hint of tobacco. Noble tannins and fresh acidity provide the firm framework and balance. Give it plenty of time to fully develop.د.إ3,185.00 -
Wine Enthusiast (97)
Blue flower, tobacco, camphor and ripe berry are just some of the aromas you'll find on the stunning red. Firmly structured and still youthfully austere, the compelling palate features ripe Marasca cherry, crushed raspberry, licorice and crushed mint alongside noble tannins. Bright acidity keeps it well-balanced and lends a seriously ageworthy structure.د.إ13,135.00 -
For those seeking the epitome of Italian elegance in a bottle, the Runchet Barbaresco 2015 from Piemonte, Italy, offers a sublime vinous experience. This beautiful Nebbiolo offering, by the esteemed Runchet Estate, is a true testament to the region's rich viticultural heritage. Traditionally aged in large oak barrels for 26 months, Runchet Barbaresco 2015's alchemical transformation results in a wine of proven longevity and immense complexity. Expect a symphony of red cherry, spices, floral and mineral notes on the nose, followed by a harmonious palate showcasing the famous Runchet structure and firm tannins.
The estate's meticulous vineyard practices and low yield philosophy ensure quality over quantity. Harvested from aged vines grown on the region's coveted limestone-clay soils, Runchet Barbaresco 2015 captures the grandeur of one of Italy's most distinguished terroir-driven wines, making it a must-have for avid collectors and wine enthusiasts alike.
د.إ932.00 -
From the heart of Italy's Piedmont region comes the Runchet Barbaresco 2016, a refined and suitably suave expression of the cherished Nebbiolo grape variety. This lavish red wine is born from Runchet's meticulously tended vineyards within the acclaimed Langhe hills. Runchet's commitment to environmental sustainability ensures that nature and viticulture exist in harmony, providing the best terroir for Nebbiolo flourishment.
The Runchet Barbaresco 2016 rewards the palate with layered, expressive flavours - the harmonious blend of red cherry, dried rose, and licorice is underscored by hints of truffle and tobacco. Its distinguished complexity and elegant, velvety tannins are the result of meticulous vinification process incorporating stainless steel fermentation, followed by maturation in large Slavonian oak casks. A testament to Runchet's winemaking artistry, the Runchet Barbaresco 2016 will age gracefully, offering exquisite nuance and dimension to the discerning oenophile.
د.إ957.00 -
Vinous (93)
Sweet red cherries, tobacco, mint, spices and new leather flesh out in Vietti's 2012 Barbaresco Masseria. Open-knit, silky and gracious, the 2012 is already quite expressive, yet also has enough depth to drink well for a number of years. So many 2012 Barbarescos are a bit forward, but Vietti's 2012 stands out for its freshness. Drink this super-elegant, refined Barbaresco over the next 15-20 years.د.إ2,210.00 -
Vinous (94+)
The 2014 Barbaresco Masseria is superb. Dark, ample and structured, the 2014 captures all the pedigree of this important Barbaresco vintage. As always, the Vietti's Masseria is a wine that has Barolo-like structure and depth, partly because it is vinified and aged pretty much along the same lines as those wines. I expect the 2014 will require at least a handful of years to shed some tannin and start showing some of its inherent inner sweetness. There is so much to look forward to. Bright acids and a firm spine of tannin give the red-toned fruit energy and vivacity throughout.د.إ1,805.00 -
Vinous (95)
The 2017 Barbaresco Masseria is a dark, luscious wine that very clearly captures the best the vintage has to offer. Deep and beguiling, but with relatively soft contours, Vietti's 2017 shows the more virile side of Barbaresco in its distinctly Barolo-leaning structure. Black cherry, plum, lavender, menthol, spice and licorice saturate the palate. I have said it before, but it bears repeating, the Masseria is the most under the radar wine at Vietti today.د.إ1,555.00
