The big kahunas of Italy are without a doubt Barolo and Barbaresco. These two legendary wines of Italy, are some of the most incredible and complex wines on the planet and made from one of the most site-specific grapes, Nebbiolo.
Barolo and Barbaresco
These two great wines are produced from the Nebbiolo grape, which has amazing structure, power, and tannins. As a result, these wines make incredible wines that can age for years, if not decades. These wines are typically characterized by what can sometimes be described as “tar and roses,” not just for their flavor profiles, but also for their textures. That’s not to stay that these are the only flavors. In fact, it wouldn’t be worth drinking.
That’s not to stay that these are the only flavors. In fact, it wouldn’t be worth drinking then, right? No, these wines carry great flavors like licorice, black figs, prune, leather, chocolate, and violets. These flavors are not soft and subtle. Instead, they are like a dam bursting and flowing over your tongue.
There is, of course, a penalty to pay for such amazing flavors. Rather than being able to open and drink Barolo and Barbaresco immediately, they typically need to age at least five years. Opening them sooner means that the tannins are still generally very aggressive, and won’t allow the full complexity to shine through. On the bright side, modern techniques mean this period is reduced from the ten plus years it used to be. I suggest you don’t become impatient. If you do, however, decanting is a great choice to help the wine open up.
Produttori del Barbaresco 2012
The biggest issue with Barolo and Barbaresco is that they cost a fortune. A low-end example costs is typically no less than $30. Produttori del Barbaresco slides in just under this mark at $27, but it is worth it?
Sight: A vibrant red on the lighter side of brick and ruby
Smell: Bright, luscious strawberries leap off the nose being complimented with violets and licorice. Touches of raspberry, spice, tar, and tomato add another layer of depth.
Sip: The body is smooth, silky, and lively, bouncing through flavors. Pops of strawberry mingle with red plum, and hints of tannins crawl in (showing the youth), beautiful elements of minerality, anise, and tar come together. The body works together with lots of bright fruit and spice.
Savor: The ending builds over time, for minutes at a time pulling in massive amounts of cranberry, red plum, and hints of tobacco. The length of the finish is simply incredible, lasting nearly a full 5 minutes. A decently strong cavalcade of tannins joins the crescendo.
Produttori del Barbaresco is incredibly balanced and packed with elegant red fruit. The flavors of strawberry, raspberry, and red plum carry for what seems like an eternity. The brightness of the youth and the tannins shows through, but never fails to deliver an elegant experience. While it could use another 3 – 5 years in bottle, you can decant this now for 3-4 hours and have an amazing experience. If you haven’t had nebbiolo, then Produttori del Barbaresco is a great place to start.
Verdict: Elegant, Strawberry, Raspberry, Cranberry, Plum
Rating: 94
Price: $30
Piedmont, Italy
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