Description
Barbaresco is one of the great wines of Italy's north-western Piedmont region. This aristocratic red has its vineyards situated in the Langhe, on the right-hand side of the Tanaro river and extending from the area north-east of Alba to the communes of Barbaresco, Nieve and Treiso. The dominant variety grown is Nebbiolo, but Dolcetto and Barbera also play a part. The vines are generally grown on limestone-rich marl soils. similar to the Tortonium soils of the Barolo and La Morra areas in Barolo. Similar to its more famous sibling Barolo, Barbaresco is made from 100% Nebbiolo and shares its cult status as one of the finest wines in the world.
The 1955 Giacomo Borgogno Barbaresco Riserva is an incredibly rare and historic wine from one of Piedmont’s most esteemed producers. Aged Barbaresco from a great vintage like 1955 would have developed remarkable depth, elegance, and complexity over the decades:
Colour: Brick-red with orange-brown hues at the rim, showing its maturity and long ageing.
Nose: A complex bouquet of dried roses, violets, leather, tobacco, and earthy truffle notes. Secondary aromas of dried cherries, figs, and hints of spice (clove, cinnamon) may also emerge.
Palate: Silky and refined, with delicate tannins that have softened over time. Flavours of dried red berries, forest floor, balsamic notes, and a touch of anise are balanced by bright acidity, giving it an elegant structure.
Finish: Long and lingering, with evolved notes of cedar, spice, and a gentle, savoury minerality.
This wine would require careful decanting to remove sediment and allow it to fully open up.