The Piedmontese DOCG zone of Barbaresco is responsible for some of Italy’s finest wines. It occupies the same region and uses the same grape (Nebbiolo) as Barolo, but is a third of the size (only 640 hectares versus Barolo’s 1,700 hectares). It is also 50 years younger, having produced the wine labeled Barbaresco since 1890. It earned its DOCG in 1980, largely thanks to the efforts of Angelo Gaja.

Nebbiolo is the grape behind Barolo and Barbaresco wines and is hardly ever seen outside the confines of Piedmont. It takes its name from "nebbia" which is Italian for fog, a frequent phenomenon in the region.

Angelo Gaja is Italy`s most renowned and dynamic wine personality and his impact on wine production in the last 30 years cannot be overestimated. Angelo Gaja took over the family business in 1970 and, as he says: "The challenge was to maintain the basic power and depth of Nebbiolo while polishing the wines to give them richer color, fuller fruit, better balance and a more refined style."

In pursuit of this aim, Gaja replanted many of the vineyards, installed temperature-controlled, stainless steel tanks, introduced the concept of aging wines in small oak barrels and began releasing single vineyard Barbarescos. Most controversial of all, Gaja planted some Cabernet Sauvignon and Chardonnay on prime Barbaresco land.

Powerful and austere red ruby color lit by garnet.
The nose offers complex and sensual perfumes of berries, plum, licorice, combined with mineral notes and coffee.
The palate is similarly complex, full, from the fruit and decided supermaturo. The finish is long, complex, marked by silky tannins and very fine.