Barbaresco DOCG

Introduction to the history of Barbaresco DOCG

The history of the Barbaresco DOCG

Barbaresco was, together with Barolo, one of the first denominations recognized in Italy, precisely in 1966.
In Cuneo, the cultivation of mist has very ancient origins, according to some research in fact, the Gauls were first attracted to the wine "Barbaritium" (historical name of Barbaresco) and arrived in Italy precisely for this reason, other research claims that the name Barbaresco derives from the term "barbaric" being the latter those who caused the fall of the Roman Empire.
The year everyone recognized as the one that certifies the birth of Barbaresco is 1894, simultaneously with the foundation of the Social Cellar of Barbaresco. Even before 1894 the Barbaresco area was known for the excellence of its Nebbiolo, which was often sold to nearby Barolo producers.
One of the historical names regarding Barbaresco is domizio Cavazza, a Modena agronomist who was appointed first Director of the Royal Wine School of Alba in 1881; the agronomist became passionate about Barbaresco and bought an estate in that area in 1886. He co-culted Nebbiolo for several years and with 9 other local winemakers he founded the Social Cellar, which, equipped with equipment suitable to the production of Barbaresco, began to produce this wine as we know it today.
In the period between the first and second world wars the Barbaresco went through a dark period in terms of fame, also causing the untimely death of Cavazza in 1915. It was not until 1950 that this wine was rediscovered thanks to a new generation of historical producers, including Bruno Giacosa and Angelo Gaja.
One of the bodies that today promotes Barbaresco internationally is the Barbaresco Regional Wine Shop. It was inaugurated on 5 July 1986 to encourage the promotion of wine production in the area. To date he represents the Barbaresco of 134 wineries producing Barbaresco.
The wine shop was born from an initiative of the Piedmont Region. In 1980, regional law No 37 was enacted, which established the Regional Winery circuit in order to satisfy two purposes: the enhancement of wine culture and the restoration of historical structures, which have become the venues of the different wine bars.

Features

Barbaresco DOCG must consist only of grapes from the Nebbiolo grape, which come from the area between the municipalities of Barbaresco, Neive and Treiso (in the province of Cuneo).
The area of origin of the grapes affects the characteristics of Barbaresco: the wines that come from the hills of Barbaresco and Neive are structured and powerful but also soft, fruity and fine; while those from the Treiso hills have characteristics more focused on finesse/elegance than on structure.
Barbaresco's winemaking consists of a period of at least 26 months (9 of these wooden). For reserve versions, on the other hand, the refinement must be at least 50 months, of which always at least 9 wooden.