About This Wine:
LIMIT 6 BOTTLES PER CUSTOMERIn the comune of Barbaresco, the top vineyard sites or “crus” have always been considered to be Santo Stefano, Rabaja and Rio Sordo. The Balbo family has long owned a good portion of the Rio Sordo cru, and sold grapes to prominent local winemakers. In recent years, they have employed the services as vineyard manager of Federico Curtaz, renowned locally for developing the vineyard sites of Angelo Gaja. In addition, they have obtained as their own winemaker Guido Martinetti, who has received eight “Tre Bicchieri” (Three Glasses) awards from Gambero Rosso/Slow Food’s “Vini d’Italia” - all by the age of thirty. In addition to their two cru Barbarescos, the estate produces small amounts of Dolcetto and Nebbiolo Langhe. “A promising debut in the Guide for this small Barbaresco winery with ideally situated vineyards. The Balbo family, helped by Guido Martinetti and Federico Curtaz produce excellent wines. The two Barbarescos have a distinctive, precise style. The Dolcettos are enjoyably fruity.” (Gambero Rosso’s Vini d’Italia)
APPELLATION: Barbaresco DOCG
VARIETALS: 100% Nebbiolo
VINEYARD: South-west exposed. The cru of Rio Sordo in Barbaresco (Cuneo), Piedmont.
VINIFICATION: Grapes are removed from stalk and gently pressed; maceration with skins for about 10 days at around 30 degrees Celsius.
AGING: Aging in new and 1-year barrels.
Only 100 cases produced.
What Does It Taste Like?The Barbaresco Rio Sordo is made from the highest quality grapes grown
at the winery. For many years, grapes from the cru Rio Sordo have
received a good price in the market because they give the wine unique
balsamic notes. And it is the same today: along with the balsamic
notes, there are hints of berry, cherry and plum. The tannins are deep,
powerful yet still sweet and round. Barbaresco Rio Sordo is an elegant
wine that pairs well with beef, aged cheeses and game.
Ratings / Reviews:
Wine Spectator Magazine - 94 Points:"Black cherry and light toasty oak on the nose. Full-bodied, with chewy tannins and loads of fruit. This is structured and powerful. A wine for aging. Best after 2012. 100 cases made." -JS (12/09)
