The Barbaresco Clan
Campy sci-fi flick starring Jane Fonda? Well, Barbaresco comes from the very top of the boot of Italia, and Ms. Jane wore a killer pair in Barbarella…but the similarities end there. (Though you wouldn’t be the first to pick up leather notes on the palate.)
Up in the Piedmont, at the Northwestern top of Italy, lie three little towns that make a wine out of Nebbiolo grapes that’s stipulated as theirs alone. Now, we’re very close to Barolo territory (also Nebbiolo), but these three towns have uniform soil, with climate a bit warmer, so the nubby Nebbies ripen a bit faster. This is the land of Barbaresco.
Think of an Italian family with all good-looking sons. It’s been years since you saw them, but they still look great life guarding, or raking leaves. Their hotshot uncle Barolo has a massive spread nearby, but the boys aren’t sweating it – they are grounded, reliable, and elegant.
Even Barbarescos with subtle body show a lot of aroma, and showcase earthy notes like cherries, tobacco, figs and truffles. They must be aged for at least two years, and their tactile tannins allow them to mellow in a cellar for years after.
At anywhere between 35 dollars to over a Franklin for a bottle, you can grant the Barbarescos their vanity. Always nice to have something dark and beautifully structured around to drink in.