What is Barberesco?

Barbaresco is often mentioned in the same breath as Barolo. They both come from Piemonte, are both made from the Nebbiolo grape and are among the most appreciated red wines of Italy. However, there are differences. In general, Barbaresco is a bit more frivolous and smoother, it has a somewhat lower alcohol percentage and comes to drink faster.

The vineyards where Barbaresco is made are located around the triangle of the villages of Neive, Treiso and Barbaresco. Just east of Alba where the grapes for Barolo are picked. The delicate Nebbiolo grape thrives here on the southern slopes of the rolling landscape.

The difference between Barbaresco and Barolo

It is slightly warmer in the vineyards of Barbaresco than in Barolo. As a result, Nebbiolo ripens earlier here and the chance of a failed harvest is smaller. Because the grape for Barbaresco is less sweet, the alcohol percentage is also slightly lower, usually 12.5%. Because fermentation simply means that sugar is converted into alcohol.

The soil contains chalk marl, but with a slightly different composition of minerals and that gives Barbaresco a slightly different flavour palette - with more fresh berries and blossom - than Barolo. The aging potential of about ten to fifteen years is shorter than that of Barolo.