Barbaresco

Ceretto's entry-level Barbaresco comes from different sites, mostly younger vines from Asili (35%) and the lower part of Bernadot (65%). Bright, elegant ruby red. It has full energy and vivacity and offers excellent persistence and remarkable balance. On the nose, sweet red cherry, mint, pine, liquorice and candied orange peel. Taut and ferruginous on the palate, very juicy, salty, stretches precisely across the tongue, with some pressure, considerable juicy-long finish. After good aeration already impressively accessible when young. SUPERIORE.DE

"Bright garnet red with ruby reflections. Intense nose of sour cherry and rosehip, then some leather, tobacco and forest floor, complex. On the palate filigree mouth entry, with soft tannin, harmonious and well balanced, elegant, juicy finish." Falstaff

"This has aromas of oak and toasted nut that come to the forefront while berry and spice stay in the background. Tightly wound and primary, the palate offers raspberry jam, vanilla and licorice alongside close-grained tannins that grip the close. Fresh acidity keeps it bright." Wine Enthusiast

"The 2019 Barbaresco is bright and nicely focused. Crushed red berry fruit, cedar, tobacco and spice are lifted. Veins of supporting tannin and acid give this mid-weight, nervy Barbaresco lovely energy. The 2019 is elegant and also quite promising." Vinous

"The 2019 Barbaresco displays high-toned aromas of sweet raspberries, rose petals and liquorice that anticipates an open-knit palate with clear-cut flavours of crunchy raspberries and redcurrants. Ripe acidity and well-extracted tannins extend the attractively floral and balsamic finish." Decanter

"This is a very firm young Barbaresco with dried strawberry, crunchy fruit and fresh flowers, such as roses. Bitter lemon and tar, too. Full-bodied, chewy and polished. Flavorful finish." James Suckling

"The Ceretto 2019 Barbaresco is an organic wine that paints a clear picture of a beautiful vintage. Tart cherry, white licorice and dusty earth lift from the bouquet and give this wine a sharp sense of focus and intensity. Ceretto has released a superb set of Barbarescos this year, starting with this classic expression." Wine Advocate

First bottled in 1967, Roncaglie (formerly Barbaresco Masseria) comes from a vineyard in Bricco di Neive and is essentially vinified and aged like a Barolo. Since the 2018 vintage, it now comes from a small parcel that used to belong to the Socré Barbaresco winery and is now deliberately released a year later to ensure greater harmony and balance. Floral and spicy notes merge with a core of rich, generous fruit in a generous Barbaresco based on pure resonance. Barbaresco Roncaglie is vinified and matured in the same way as Vietti's single-vineyard Barolos. This means long fermentation, six months in French oak and more than two years in barrique. This, together with the broad shoulders of Neive, results in a noble Nebbiolo with clear hints of Barolo and impressive depth. SUPERIORE.DE

"Just mid ruby. Firm, concentrated raspberry-fruit nose becoming more opulent and perfumed with aeration. Impressively balanced on the palate with wired, juicy raspberry and fine tannins. Full aromatic spread on the finish." Jancis Robinson

"The Vietti 2020 Barbaresco Roncaglie Masseria has bright rose, cherry, redcurrant and angel food cake with strawberries. There are mineral notes as well, and the fruit unfolds over the palate with gentle intensity. There is some oak spice, but it is very well integrated; and the wine shows good balance, especially where the tannins versus acidity is concerned." Wine Advocate

"The 2020 Barbaresco, from vines in Roncaglie, sizzles with tension. Bright, red-toned fruit, orange peel, mint, white pepper and crushed rocks are all beautifully delineated. In many vintages, the Roncaglie is quite showy. That is hardly the case in 2020, a vintage in which the wine is classically austere and in need of time. Super-classic." Vinous

"Very perfumed and pretty with sliced strawberries and citrus blossom. Plenty of forest berries, too. Medium to full body. Creamy tannins and a fresh finish. Fine texture and gorgeous." James Suckling

Rabaja is an elegant and great wine. Deep layers of fruit practically bury the tannins, which is very unusual for a young Rabajà. A multitude of dark, blue-tinged fruits, lavender, mint, violets and spices race across the palate in an extremely lively, compelling Barbaresco of the highest calibre. An expansive fruity core, alongside hints of roses, menthol, minerals and tar. The concentrated palate is of enviable finesse and is practically weightless in the mouth. It shows crushed black cherries, juicy raspberries, orange peel, cloves and liquorice alongside firm, velvety tannins. The bright acidity provides an impeccable balance. Rabaja offers the full range: beautiful fruit, defined body, outstanding length, fine tannins and marvellous balsamic notes. Great Barbaresco cinema! SUPERIORE.DE

"The 2019 Barbaresco Riserva Rabajà smells of dark fruit, crushed rock, graphite, sage, menthol and lavender, all racing across the palate, supported by strong, young Rabajà tannins that make their presence felt. This medium-bodied, powerful Barbaresco has it all." Vinous

"This red wine shows a mixture of flavours of cherries, strawberries, orange peel, camphor, iron and tobacco. Although it is underpinned by powerful tannins, it remains straightforward and long, with the fruit returning at the end. Overall, it shows excellent balance and length." Wine Spectator

"Vibrant medium ruby red colour. The wine is finely balanced, with sweet violets, floral lightness and redcurrants. The palate is medium-bodied with violet notes, velvety tannins, refreshing acidity and a long, crisp finish. The wine has a certain austerity, but also personality. It will need time to develop." James Suckling

"In this vintage, the Rabajà was served third from last in a flight of nine owing to its depth and robust mouthfeel. The Produttori del Barbaresco 2019 Barbaresco Riserva Rabajà is saturated and dark with a tight core of blackcurrant that is framed by crushed stone, spice and a sweet hint of smoked meat. It shows a sultry and smoky personality." Wine Advocate

"This wine is a classic car. Elegant and sleek, a design that fits into the modern world but is still a classic. A power lurking under the bonnet that, when released, cannot be re-bottled. This is a wine of beauty, depth and power. Dark cherries and plums with sweet and savoury spices fade into blue violets and wild herbs. The palate is rich and indulgent, with warm fruit compotes framed by vibrant acidity and elegant tannins that feel like a perfect leather seat as you prepare to start the engine." Wine Enthusiast

The single-vineyard Barbaresco Riserva Ovello is, as always, one of the outstanding wines in this series. It shows the energy and tension so typical of this site, but with a slightly more mature profile than is the norm. Ovello dives straight into the volatile Nebbiolo aromas, with a focus on liquorice, tar, blue flowers and campfire ash. The palate is full-bodied, with flavours of crushed raspberries, juicy Marasca cherries, liquorice and nutmeg as well as firm, tight-knit tannins. The fresh acidity provides tension and balance. Looking at the timeline of Riserva wines, this wine reaches the magical threshold at which Nebbiolo begins to unfold its unique aromatic appeal and mystique ... SUPERIORE.DE

"Floral lightness with a fleshy character and earthy notes of cherries and pomegranates. Firm tannins and crisp acidity on the classic, extract-rich palate, with a massive structure, medium body and juicy finish." James Suckling

"The Barbaresco Riserva Ovello 2019 is powerful, savoury and intensely straightforward in the style of the Ovello Classico, and yet behind its imposing tannins it seems to have enough fruit to develop well over the coming years. In this tasting, the Ovello feels quite closed after bottling, but its inherent balance and qualities are there. Clean savoury notes extend the finish in a promising way." Vinous

"Round and supple, this red wine shows flavours of cherry, raspberry, rose, iron and menthol. Although well-structured, it finishes with a bloom of red fruit and energy. All the elements are there, so give it a few years to integrate." Wine Spectator

"The Produttori del Barbaresco 2019 Barbaresco Riserva Ovello is a tighter wine with more elegant mineral definition. However, this wine is not as accessible and remains a little shy or closed at this young stage in its life. The tannins are well managed that naturally delivers more richness and concentration. It needs a little more time to shed that nervous tension." Wine Advocate

"A perfect mixed garden, with aromas of upturned earth, harvest-ripe blackberries, fragrant herbs and warmed raspberries sitting in their pool, making their way in and out of the glass. Spicy aromas of mixed herbs, tobacco and liquorice root open the palate, while flavours of cherry and cornberry flash with fresh acidity against a backdrop of elegant and taut tannins." Wine Enthusiast

Bright and radiant, with a lot of Nebbiolo character, it is a successful interpretation of the terroir and shows the great class of the winery. Sweet red cherries, tobacco, mint, aniseed and white pepper on the nose. Medium-bodied and graceful on the palate with a good balance of flavour, acidity and structure. With further bottle ageing, it looks set for a great development. SUPERIORE.DE

"A slightly floral nose of more red than black berries with fresh tomato tones, hints of liquorice, barrel wood notes, tar and a hint of tobacco. Tart, still undeveloped fruit, nutty, slightly smoky and hints of cocoa-spicy notes, some bite and youthful, yet fine tannins, persistent on the palate, a little tar and tobacco in the background, herbal nuances, hints of coffee, very good, relatively juicy finish with dark, delicately bitter-chocolatey spice. Still needs a little time." Wein-Plus

"Bright ruby red with a delicately brightening rim and sparkling centre. Inviting nose, smoky and stony, delicate raspberry and some dried rose petal, black tea. Savoury on the palate, with very grippy, youthful tannins and lovely salt, always comes back juicy, still a little young, already drinking well." Falstaff

"A graceful, well-balanced red with a solid construction supporting aromas and flavours of cherry, strawberry, rose and graphite. A hint of tar and white pepper is evident on the finish." Wine Spectator

"A mixture of red berries, including raspberry and currant, combined with allspice and earth-driven spices. The wine is pretty and lifted, with dark cherry flavors on the palate. Superfine tannins give the wine an elegant structure that highlights the chalky mineral notes, leather and tobacco." Wine Enthusiast

"The 2019 Barbaresco Pio Cesare shows a beautiful ruby red colour that goes well with the bright aromas of cassis, pomegranate, liquorice and grilled herbs that emerge from the bouquet. This Barbaresco is lean and silky in texture, and it is already drinking very well." Wine Advocate

"This is a very typical Barbaresco, with a solid core of fruit. Lots of strawberries, cedar wood and chewy tannins. Full and structured. Excellent length, with the tannins coming through at the end. This wine needs at least four or five years of bottle ageing. Try it after 2027." James Suckling

Bright and radiant, with a lot of Nebbiolo character, it is a successful interpretation of the terroir and shows the great class of the winery. Sweet red cherries, tobacco, mint, aniseed and white pepper on the nose. Medium-bodied and graceful on the palate with a good balance of flavour, acidity and structure. With further bottle ageing, it looks set for a great development. SUPERIORE.DE

"Light, transparent garnet red colour with a brightening rim. Very appealing on the nose with aromas of sour cherries, raspberries and forest floor as well as hints of rose petals and thyme. Very juicy and fresh on the palate, almost youthful, with grippy tannins and a long final." Falstaff

"Earthy and herbaceous, with a hint of fruit leaves and a delicious flavour reminiscent of strawberry and blackcurrant jam. Freshly ground spices add depth, including sweet cinnamon and spicy thyme. The palate encounters the charm of a vintage with dried cherries, wild herbs and elegant tannins that evoke the timeless appeal of an old-school classic that is delicious now but will refine with age." Wine Enthusiast

"This is a pretty wine with bright fruit, animating acidity and a silky finish." Wine Advocate

"Very fine and polished with flavours of plums, strawberries and cedar wood as well as an undertone of iodine, shells and chocolate. Medium body, ultra-fine tannins and a lovely finish. It is balanced and beautiful. Such brightness and finesse with structure. It's attractive now, but it will reward patience." James Suckling

Montestefano Riserva is exquisite and harmonious from start to finish. Of the Produttori's nine great Riservas, it is the one that best conceals its tannins, as the fruit is intensely fragrant, rich and seductive. For us, it is a synthesis of Montefico, Ovello and Rabajà. Today, Montestefano gives the impression of being relatively accessible, but it will almost certainly go through a few more stages of closure before it fully opens up. The bouquet surprises us with sheer endless complexity and depth. Its silky, polished tannins give an impression of sensual elegance. Crushed meadow flowers, mint, liquorice and dark red cherries are just some of the notes that envelop the deep, long finish. Fabulous! SUPERIORE.DE

"Spicy and mineral nose. Very appetising and complex." Jancis Robinson

"Restrained, but not boring at first. Very mineral nose with peach zest, orange zest, sweet violets and vermouth-like complexity, firm tannins, medium body, crisp acidity and an extracted but classic finish." James Suckling

"The 2019 Barbaresco Riserva Montestefano is perhaps the most complete of the 2019 Riservas at this stage. It offers fine depth, plenty of tannin and an emerging inner sweetness that holds everything together. The Montestefano is a wine of stature and textural depth and my first favourite in this range." Vinous

"This aromatic red wine shows flavours of cherries, roses, white pepper, eucalyptus, iron and tobacco. Firmly built, with dense tannins and a spicy finish, this is balanced but needs time." Wine Spectator

"Powerful aromas that start with black raspberries, stewed cherries and a mix of sweet and savoury spices. Subtle floral and herbal notes add to the depth of the nose. The palate is broad and rich, with a generous helping of mixed berry jam with crushed pepper and dried herbs. The tannins are masterful with a refined nature that brings out the soul of Nebbiolo and shows how well this wine will age." Wine Enthusiast

"Rich, abundant and defined by an elegant mineral tone that gives it backbone and linearity. It boasts plenty of dark fruit at its core with a presentation that is firmly structured and tightly coiled. The wine's tannic structure is bold and powerful, requiring more bottle age." Wine Advocate

Barbaresco Vanotu is the most powerful Barbaresco from Pelissero and also the top wine every year. Attractive garnet red colour, concentrated, hearty bouquet with fine tobacco and leather notes. Lush, deep and multi-layered in the glass, it offers generous dark fruit, mocha, spices, liquorice, plum and sweet French oak. A spectacular and masculine wine with great ageing Storage potential. SUPERIORE.DE

"Shows cherry and berry flavors, framed by sweet spices and balsamic notes of eucalyptus and sandalwood. Though light in weight, this red is firmly structured and balanced, with fine length." Wine Spectator

"From the very first moments of fermentation of this wine, we realise every year that we are dealing with a very high expression of Nebbiolo. The MGA Albesani is a very beautiful vineyard in the municipality of Neive with ideal exposure and perfect altitude. From there comes a rich, elegant, sometimes austere wine that combines its great appeal with excellent ageing potential." Franco Massolino

Barbaresco Albesani shows all the breadth and resonance so typical of this famous hillside vineyard in Neive. Red-purple fruits, spices, rose petals, lavender, menthol and liquorice develop with a little time in the glass. Bright acids and lively tannins give this classic, inviting Barbaresco from Massolino plenty of energy and stamina. SUPERIORE.DE

"Freshly mown hay and green tea accents frame cherry, strawberry and white pepper flavors in this sleek yet dense red. Overall, this remains balanced and elegant, with a beam of fruit persisting on the aftertaste." Wine Spectator

"Exciting and racy red fruits with dried herbs and hibiscus with undertones of nutshells. Clean and lively on the palate with medium body and compact, ripe tannins that give the wine a firm and long mouthfeel. Velvety finish. Attractive already, but even better from 2025." James Suckling

"The Massolino 2020 Barbaresco Albesani from the village of Neive shows more balance at this young age than the winery's classic Barbaresco. This single-vineyard wine also has more depth with nuances of dark berries, cassis, blue flowers and crushed limestone. The floral aromas emerge with beautiful intensity. The wine's tannins are very fine and silky." Wine Advocate

"The Barbaresco Albesani 2020 has more substance and depth than the pure Barbaresco. The differences between the two wines are not so pronounced at first, but that comes with aeration. With time, macerated cherries, plums, spices, lavender, rose petals and sage develop in the glass. All the richness and power of the Albesani come out. For harvestwho want to understand what makes Albesani tick, this is the wine for you!" Vinous

"Very restrained on the nose, with smoky forest notes, preserved flowers and chocolate, wrapped in a fresh, elegant currant fruit. Very tasty on the palate, with fresh acidity and velvety, chewy, youthful tannins that are very precise and woven into the finish. Given its firm structure, this is not an easy wine to drink now, but it shows a quality in terms of texture and liquorice length that will keep it interesting for a long time." Decanter

The grapes for the Barbaresco come mainly from the top vineyards Pora, Ovello, Montestefano, Muncagota and Rio Sordo. Deep, lively ruby to garnet red colour. A broad bouquet of red fruits and biscuits with a hint of minerality. The palate is characterised by a rich, solid structure and a continuous development that ends in a long, fragrant final. Every year, the leading Italian winegrowers' cooperative shows what it and its members are capable of with its basic Barbaresco. SUPERIORE.DE

"Youthful, medium ruby red colour. A real, concentrated fruit nose, which is sadly lacking in this vintage. Subtle marasca cherry on the palate with lots of finely milled tannins; head and shoulders above the rest." Jancis Robinson

"It is aromatic and attractive with notes of dried cherries, hibiscus, cocoa and bark, followed by a medium body with polished and refined tannins with a velvety texture and a linear finish. Fresh and floral on the finish with a bright red fruit backbone." James Suckling

"The 2020 Barbaresco is a beautiful, harmonious wine that will drink well with minimal cellaring time. Forward fruit and soft curves are perhaps a little atypical for a young Barbaresco, but this also makes the wine very enjoyable. Juicy red cherry and plum fruit, rose petals, spices, cedar, mint and tobacco combine in the glass. Classicists will probably prefer other vintages, but it's hard not to like the 2020 for its charming, exuberant personality. At the same time, aeration brings out a greater aromatic presence and also a good structure." Vinous

"Still vinous, with youthful strawberry notes, rosebud, violets, liquorice and a hint of cinnamon. Spicy and floral on the palate, dominated by firm, crisp and persistent acidity and velvety, ripe tannins of astonishing quality; perhaps a little austere on the finish. Amazing Barbaresco. Here we have the Barbaresco co-operative, known for producing some of the best value quality wines in the Langhe." Decanter

"Embrace the harmonious blend of cooked cherries infused with an array of mixed spices, accompanied by subtle hints of medicinal herbs and rose water. Soft and rounded, yet possessing a discernible edge, this wine presents a fruit-forward profile loaded with flavors of cherry and raspberry, all the while, complemented by refreshing acidity. Its polished and elegant character develops throughout the bottle and will age deep into the future while still being great today." Wine Enthusiast

"The 2020 Barbaresco offers a wealth of flavours of wild cherries, blue flowers, sweet spices and crushed limestone. As always, the wine paints an exciting and authentic portrait of Nebbiolo, albeit with a little more richness and texture in this vintage. This is especially true on the palate, where the wine offers a medium-bodied intensity with melting tannins." Wine Advocate

"Ruby red with bright reflections. The nose delights with a bouquet of floral notes: Mauve, hibiscus and hollyhocks are surrounded by fruity cherries and preserved raspberries and spicy aromas of black pepper, cedar and juniper berries. The red fruit is underpinned by dark aromatics and vegetal notes of redcurrant and blackberry leaves. Initially subtle on the palate until it brings out the iron fist in a velvet glove. The gentle attack calmly builds up immense pressure with great inner tension on the mid palate. The extract-sweet fruit of cherries and a fine core of sloes mingle with marzipan and noble bitter notes of the ripe tannins, which give it additional length. The exemplary use of wood sets the scene for exactly what characterises a Barbaresco: Concentration with simultaneous lightness and transparency." Sebastian Bordthäuser (Sommelier und Wein-Journalist)

"The 2017 Barbaresco Faset is open, graceful and quite pretty. Sweet dried cherry, incense, tobacco, mint and dried flowers are all nicely lifted in this attractive, medium-bodied Barbaresco. Notes of cedar, tobacco, incense and dried flowers give this wine aromatic presence and lift. The Faset is another wine in this series that will drink well with minimal cellaring." Vinous

"This red shows a supple texture and macerated cherry and strawberry fruit, which initially add up to a lot of pleasure. Yet there is a solid base of tannins too, a promise of this wine's future potential. Comes together on the fresh finish, where an echo of red fruit and emerging mineral elements linger." Wine Spectator

Roagna's Barbaresco Pajè already has a great need to communicate in its youth and shows itself open-minded and with multi-layered aromas, full-bodied and in harmonious balance. An extraordinary pleasure for the next 20 years. SUPERIORE.DE

"Bright ruby red. Pajè discharges in unerring salvos of raspberries and sour cherries as well as laurels and walnut shells, its shimmering ethereal top note reminiscent of asphalted roads on the high summer horizon. Mild spices like cloves, black pepper and dried cherries are a recurring thematic theme like the theme tune of a monumental soundtrack. Mercilessly dry on the palate with beguiling extract sweetness. Grown on vines over 80 years old, the fruit and spice notes of the nose are accurately reflected on the palate and are firmly coated like Kevlar by ripe, tightly woven tannins. Complex and multi-layered, it flows across the palate with a silky feel, almost floating, and its fruity, ethereal finish seems almost weightless with an extra-long finish. Large glasses and time are the weapons of choice." Sebastian Bordthäuser (Sommelier und Wein-Journalist)

"The 2017 Barbaresco Pajè offers a compelling blend of sweet red fruits, cinnamon, blood orange, leather, cedar and tobacco. The 2017 impresses with its medium weight structure, which unfolds well with a little time in the glass and shows its natural breadth and creaminess. There's a good amount of immediacy and overall appeal here too." Vinous

"A tightly wound, sleek red marked by floral, cherry, menthol and mineral aromas and flavors. Reveals ripeness midpalate and builds to a lingering, detailed finish. Shows plenty of energy and complexity." Wine Spectator

"Showing a transparent or almost naked fruit quality, the 2017 Roagna Barbaresco Pajè is a beautiful and graceful wine that retains an exceptional sense of lightness and elegance despite everything we have heard about this hot and dry vintage. The finish of the Pajè is exceptional, with chiselled aromas of wild berries, iris root, liquorice and a subtle hint of white pepper. The mouthfeel is characterised by extremely fine tannins." Wine Advocate

Albesani leaves nothing to be desired, in expression and character it is simply grandiose. The fresh bouquet of flowers, chalk, tobacco and cherries continues on the palate, where a beguilingly silky tannin and aromatic intensity virtually rob the senses. A masterpiece from Luca Roagna! SUPERIORE.DE

"The 2017 Barbaresco Albesani is delicate and ethereal. Crushed flowers, sweet dried cherry, cinnamon and orange zest give this deceptively light-bodied Barbaresco a good deal of both nuance and complexity. All the elements are so nicely balanced. All things considered, the 2017 is an understated wine from this Neive site." Vinous

"This red features excellent balance and complexity, with a supple and delicate texture despite a solid matrix of tannins underneath. Reveals macerated cherry, plum and floral notes accented by licorice and mineral on the long, resonant finish." Wine Spectator

Gallina comes from a steep, sandy vineyard, similar to the Asili site, but with less lime content, which gives it more roundness and fullness. Full bouquet of sweet tobacco, cedar, liquorice and dried herbs. A soft, sweet, red fruit combines in an exciting way with the typical Roagna austerity on the palate to an impressive complexity and length. It will only reveal its true elegance to us in a few years. SUPERIORE.DE

"The 2017 Barbaresco Gallina is bright, translucent and bursting with energy. Crushed red berry fruit, blood orange, spice, anise, mint and chalk run through this nervy, mid-weight Barbaresco. In 2017, Gallina tends more towards the taut end of the spectrum. Sweet cherry water and floral notes give it an exotic edge on the finish." Vinous

"Both rich and fruity, boasting cherry, strawberry, rose, iron and eucalyptus aromas and flavors. Shows terrific balance and a juiciness that extends the fruit and savory finish." Wine Spectator

"Ruby red with bright reflections. The nose delights with a bouquet of floral notes: Mallow, hibiscus and hollyhocks are surrounded by fruity cherries and preserved raspberries and complemented by spicy aromas of black pepper, cedar and juniper berries. The red fruit is accompanied by dark aromas and vegetal notes of blackcurrant and blackberry leaves. The attack is initially subtle until the iron fist is brought out in a velvet glove. The gentle attack calmly builds up immense pressure with great inner tension on the mid-palate. The extract-sweet fruit of cherries and a fine core of sloes mingle with marzipan and noble bitter notes of the ripe tannins, which give it additional length. The exemplary use of wood highlights exactly what characterises a Barbaresco: Concentration combined with lightness and transparency." Sebastian Bordthäuser (Sommelier und Wein-Journalist)

"The 2018 Barbaresco Faset is bright, exuberant and charming, in other words, everything a Faset should be. Sweet, dried cherries, mint, spice, tobacco and cedar are all beautifully brought out. The Faset is a very nice, understated Barbaresco. It is a pleasure to taste it today." Vinous

"Aromas of rose, cherry and red licorice lead off, picking up flavors of wild herbs, anise and iron as this red builds to the lingering finish. Balanced and solidly structured, this extends with both fruit and savory elements, showing prodigious length and intensity." Wine Spectator

Roagna's Barbaresco Pajè already has a great need to communicate in its youth and shows itself to be open-minded and with multi-layered flavours, full-bodied and harmoniously balanced. An extraordinary pleasure for the next 20 years. SUPERIORE.DE

"Bright ruby red in colour. Pajè unleashes itself in unerring volleys of raspberries and sour cherries as well as laurels and walnut shells, its shimmering, ethereal top note reminiscent of tarmac roads on the midsummer horizon. Mild spices such as cloves, black pepper and dried cherries are a recurring theme, like the title melody of a monumental soundtrack. Mercilessly dry on the palate with a beguiling extract sweetness. Grown on vines over 80 years old, the fruit and spice notes on the nose are accurately reflected on the palate and are encased in ripe, tightly woven tannins like Kevlar. Complex and multi-layered, it flows over the palate with a silky feel, almost floating, and its fruity, ethereal finish is almost weightless with an extra-long aftertaste. Large glasses and time are the weapons of choice." Sebastian Bordthäuser (Sommelier und Wein-Journalist)

"Sparkling, medium-dense ruby-garnet colour. Finely characterised nose with notes of dried rose petals, strawberry and wild raspberry, some plum. Fills the palate full, finely sweet fruit with great melting, opens with present, savoury tannin, full-bodied and with firm pressure on the final." Falstaff

"The Barbaresco Pajè 2018 is a brooding, introverted wine. Mineral and spicy notes dominate, while the fruit remains in the background. The Pajè has developed wonderfully since my first tasting a few months ago. The flavours in particular are very expressive. Like all the 2018s here, the Pajè is a Barbaresco of unobtrusive complexity. It will be interesting to see whether the lively tannins give way a little." Vinous

"Fresh, lively and straightforward in profile, even racy, this red wine shows flavours of strawberries, cherries, hibiscus, iron and cut hay, with a lively structure, fine harmony and a long, fruity and mineral finish." Wine Spectator

Gallina comes from a steep, sandy vineyard, similar to the Asili site, but with less limestone, which gives it more roundness and fullness. Full bouquet of sweet tobacco, cedar wood, liquorice and dried herbs. A soft, sweet, red fruit combines with the typical Roagna austerity in an exciting way on the palate to create an impressive complexity and length. It will only reveal its true elegance in a few years' time. SUPERIORE.DE

"The Barbaresco Gallina 2018 is a very nice wine in this range. Tobacco, kirsch, mint, orange peel, red fruit, spice cake and mint give it an exotic flair. Time in the glass brings out the wine's inner perfume and sweetness. This is a beautiful and inviting wine that expresses the ethereal side of the year well." Vinous

"Balsamic elements of eucalyptus, juniper and rosemary mingle with cherry and raspberry in this intense red, which is tightly wound and dense, with assertive, dusty tannins and a long, iron-infused finish." Wine Spectator

Bright garnet red with a copper-coloured rim. Fine olfactory cinema of red fruits and sea buckthorn. In addition, forest earth paired with a hint of tobacco and bitter almond. In the glass still young, initially loud tannins, with some air then softer tones and a powerful, lasting final. An elegant, aristocratic wine that leaves a lasting impression not only on the first glass. SUPERIORE.DE

"This red has a warm, brambly, woodsy quality that downplays the muted fruit. Boasts burly tannins, with a spicy, complex finish. Shows the more muscular side of Barbaresco." Wine Spectator

"Notes of raspberries and plum skins with walnuts, bark, ground spices and damp earth. Polished and a little chewy with medium to full body and chalky texture of the tannins. Firm and consistent. Straightforward finish." James Suckling

"The 2020 Barbaresco Cottá shows an austere character with pronounced rust or iodine aromas intermingled with dark fruits and dried cherries. The wine has a generous, medium-weight texture that offers a good amount of firmness to the palate. Give this pretty wine a little more time to develop." Wine Advocate

"The 2020 Barbaresco Cottá is dense, powerful and self-contained. Black cherry, plum, spice, menthol, mocha and earthiness contribute to an impression of gravitas. Huge tannins add plenty of structure to this powerful, brooding wine. This impressive young Barbaresco needs time." Vinous

With a few hours in the air, Albesani begins to reveal the inner sweetness and fragrance so typical of wines from this Neive vineyard. Sweet dried cherries, rose petals, kirsch, cinnamon, orange peel and sweet tobacco open up with a little coaxing. Albesani clearly has a lot to offer for those who can wait for the initially prominent tannins to soften. SUPERIORE.DE

"The 2018 Barbaresco Albesani is another great wine from Roagna. Crushed red berry fruit, mint, tobacco, orange peel, spice and crushed rocks open up beautifully with a little coaxing. Deep and powerful, but also wonderfully restrained, the Albesani has a lot to offer. It is also one of the few wines from this vintage that certainly needs time." Vinous

"Round and opulent, this red features cherry, raspberry, rose, menthol, tobacco and mineral flavors. Dense and firmly structured, with superb balance and terrific length. Combines power and finesse." Wine Spectator

Do you know the small vineyard Basarin near Neive? A bright ruby garnet awaits you and a wine from a particularly beautiful vintage: on the nose, a cornucopia of aromas of wild sour cherry, herbs, some liquorice and tobacco. Firm and very clearly structured on the palate, muscular and yet with an elegance that never loses control due to its power. Basarin is a highly energetic and precise Nebbiolo that reveals its complexity only with some patience and aeration. The neighbouring terroir Neive shows itself with distinguished elegance and marries harmoniously with the volume and weight typical of the site - and in a depth that only vines over 50 years old can produce. SUPERIORE.DE

"A dense red, solidly built and displaying mint, eucalyptus, vanilla and resin flavors, while berry and cherry fruit elements struggle to emerge. Despite its freshness and length, this is locked up tight." Wine Spectator

"The Barbaresco Basarin 2020 with fruit from the village of Neive is a generous and full-bodied wine with soft fruit tones and lots of powerful cherry. Sottimano Maggiore likes to work with ambient yeasts and submerged cap. This is a fruit-driven Nebbiolo from a warm vintage. It shows above average concentration, but not much, and feels quite soft and supple on the palate." Wine Advocate

"The Barbaresco Basarin 2020 is a wine of pure and perfect sensuality. For a young Barbaresco that has just been bottled, the Basarin has great balance. On the palate, a firework of dark red fruits, spices, rose petals, mint and blood orange unfolds, followed by a powerful kick of Nebbiolo acidity and tannin. The harvestmust be patient. This heady, explosive Barbaresco is shaping up to be a real gem." Vinous

"Aromas of dried cherries, cocoa, cinnamon and bark with hints of dried rose petals. Medium to full-bodied and structured with taut but fine tannins that linger. Shows tension and depth. Long lingering finish." James Suckling

The Sottimano winery has five vineyard sites, with the Pajoré site near Treiso having the poorest soils of all. These wines are therefore more elegant and ripe. Pajoré is a super-classic, explosive wine, with tremendous depth and character. Although it has a lot of breadth and texture, it remains light on its feet. Lavender, mint, liquorice and purple berry fruit are beguiling and wonderfully vibrant in the glass. Pajorè is a spicy, elegant and sweet Nebbiolo that is fine yet covers the mouth well - and we are always impressed by its lovely salty mouthfeel. SUPERIORE.DE

"A lithe yet firmly structured red marked by vanilla, resin, cherry, strawberry, floral and underbrush aromas and flavors. Shows fine balance in the end, with the fruit holding up against a cadre of serious tannins. Resonant finish." Wine Spectator

"The Sottimano 2020 Barbaresco Pajoré is a dense and elegant wine with a medium weight structure. The bouquet is very expressive with dried cherries, blackcurrants, iron ore and blue flowers. Sottimano manages to produce very straightforward and precise wines, and that is certainly the message of this wine from the Pajoré vineyard in the municipality of Treiso. It finishes on a dry, chalky note." Wine Advocate

"This wine shows subtle aromas of cherries and wild strawberries with dried sage, lavender, nutshells and cloves. Medium to full body with a firm backbone of compact tannins. A little chewy yet juicy with notes of citrus and walnuts on the finish." James Suckling

"The Barbaresco Pajorè 2020 is a textbook wine from this site. The Pajorè is a wine of depth and stature that impresses right from bottling. Dark cherry, plum, lavender, spice and menthol race across the palate as the 2020 proves its obvious pedigree. Time in the glass brings out a whole range of spicy, balsamic nuances that continue into the lingering finish. The 2020 is developing into a truly great wine." Vinous

"From a vineyard in Treiso, with 50-60 year old vines, a Barbaresco of great finesse. Arbutus on the nose, with notes of eucalyptus and white pepper, rounded off with hints of wild mint. On the palate, iodine-salty tannins, fruity and mentholated finish." Luca Gardini

With a few hours in the air, Albesani begins to reveal the inner sweetness and fragrance so typical of wines from this Neive vineyard. Sweet dried cherries, rose petals, kirsch, cinnamon, orange peel and sweet tobacco open up with a little coaxing. Albesani clearly has a lot to offer for those who can wait for the initially prominent tannins to soften. SUPERIORE.DE

"The Barbaresco Albesani 2019 is a haunting, magnificent wine. Sweet macerated cherry, kirsch, dried herbs, mint, leather and orange peel rise from the glass. A Barbaresco of exotic beauty and elegance, the 2019 Albesani has so much to offer. It is not an instant wine, but its charm is impossible to resist. This deceptively medium-bodied Barbaresco simply needs time to show its best side. I particularly admire its inner sweetness. Cinnamon, dried red cherries, menthol and cedar linger on the beguiling, structured finish." Vinous

"The Roagna 2019 Barbaresco Albesani presents an impressive bouquet with a wide span of aromas that start off with blue flower and pressed rose and extend gently to iron ore and crushed stone. There is a ferrous quality as well. The wine is light and translucent in appearance, but don't underestimate the power it delivers to the palate. Albesani is especially marked in terms of its tannic structure." Wine Advocate

"The texture of this red wine is fluid and viscous and forms the basis for the flavours of macerated cherries, strawberries, rosehips, hay and eucalyptus. It also has an underlying mineral element that harmonises with the lively acidity and firm, refined tannins. Long and complex." Wine Spectator

Gallina comes from a steep, sandy vineyard, similar to the Asili site, but with less limestone, which gives it more roundness and fullness. Full bouquet of sweet tobacco, cedar wood, liquorice and dried herbs. A soft, sweet, red fruit combines with the typical Roagna austerity in an exciting way on the palate to create an impressive complexity and length. It will only reveal its true elegance in a few years' time. SUPERIORE.DE

"The 2019 Barbaresco Gallina is a very pretty, almost ethereal wine for a site that often produces a fruitier Barbaresco. The aromatics are particularly open at this stage, even though it has only recently been bottled. Silky tannins and a medium-weight structure are the hallmarks. Dark red cherries, leather, spices and menthol linger on the sublime finish. It would certainly not be a crime to drink this wine a little younger." Vinous

"The aromas are still a little shy, hinting at cherry and rose, with a solid core of cherry, strawberry, rose, white pepper and stony mineral flavors. Yet it's the energy in this red that's compelling, exerting itself from beginning to end. Offers superb elegance and harmony on a linear frame." Wine Spectator