▻ Barbaresco with David Gleave MW
In conversation with David Gleave MW
Episode Summary:-
David Gleave MW, an authority on Italian wines, takes a deep dive into Barbaresco, one of the great wines of the Piedmont. The region is situated south of Turin to the east of Alba. It is a smaller zone than neighbouring Barolo, with 800 hectares versus 2,200 hectares in Barolo. Barbaresco produces 5.3 million bottles, whilst Barolos produces 15 million.
The main grape is Nebbiolo, which is grown on all the good sites. There is a little Barbera and Dolcetto too. The terroir is diverse, and Barbaresco is divided into three communes, Barbaresco, Neive, and Treiso. Barbaresco and Neive’s soils are marl with clay, sand and limestone. While Treiso has more chalk and produces wines with more structure. The vineyards are more east-facing than south. The grapes are harvested a week earlier than in Barolo. They tend to be able to be drunk earlier than Barolo and are released on the market a year before the wines of Barolo.
The best vineyards to look out for include Asili, Rabajà, Santo Stefano, Martinenga, Roncagli, Ronccaglietta, Secondine, Montestefano, Montefico, Rio Sordo and Santo Stephano.
There are 460 producers in Barbaresco, with the best known being Gaja and Bruno Giacosa, and then Bruno Rocca, Ceretto, Cascina delle Rose, Marchesi di Gresy, and Poderi Colla. David also recommends the co-operative, which he believes is one of the finest in Europe. David’s tip for ones to watch include Fletcher and Mura Mura.
When Barbaresco is young, it is a pale ruby colour; the aromatics are always the key, with its beautiful lifted aromas of red cherry, dark cherry and redcurrants. When it is older, there are hints of truffles and tobacco. One thing it always has is tannin. It should have a lovely bit of acidity on the finish. It is medium-bodied, mid-weight, aromatic, sinewy and drop-dead gorgeous.
One new development which is currently being considered is the introduction of Commune wine, a decision is expected shortly.
Running Order:-
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0.00 – 5.42
“Barbaresco is a much smaller than Barolo, 800 hectares against 2200 hectares for Barolo.”
– Where Barbaresco is situated and its size.
– Grapes grown and its terroir.
– The three communes of Barbaresco.
– Best vineyards in Barbaresco. -
5.43 – 10.59
“Barbaresco’s co-operative is one of Europe’s finest co-operatives, making outstanding wines only from vineyards in Barbaresco.”
– Best producers in Barbaresco.
– Upcoming producers.
– Taste of Barbaresco, young and old.
– New developments.
Join David Gleave MW for a deep dive into the wines of Barbaresco in our latest 10-Minute Masterclass.