Villadoria Barbaresco is a masterpiece of Italian winemaking that exemplifies the elegance and finesse of Nebbiolo grapes cultivated in the prestigious Barbaresco DOCG region of Piedmont. Crafted from hand-harvested grapes grown in the hills of Barbaresco, Neive, and Treiso, this garnet-red wine delights with aromas of violets, roses, and ripe cherries, accentuated by subtle notes of vanilla, white pepper, and anise. Fermented and aged traditionally, including 9 months in oak barrels and a total maturation period of 26 months, it achieves a harmonious balance of velvety tannins, vibrant acidity, and a long, refined finish. Ideal with rich meat dishes, game, and aged cheeses, Villadoria Barbaresco captures the essence of its terroir and ages gracefully, offering a rewarding experience for up to 15 years.
Process & Profile
Villadoria Barbaresco is rooted in the traditions of Piedmont, Italy. Crafted exclusively with Nebbiolo grapes, it benefits from a terroir shaped by clayey limestone soils and optimal sun exposure in the Barbaresco, Neive, and Treiso hills. The wine undergoes meticulous hand harvesting, gentle crushing, and fermentation in stainless steel tanks, followed by 26 months of aging—9 of which are spent in medium-sized oak barrels. This traditional approach creates a wine that strikes a remarkable balance between power and grace, with an aging potential of 10 to 15 years depending on the vintage.
Tasting Notes
Villadoria Barbaresco enchants with its garnet red hue, accented by ruby highlights. On the nose, it offers an ethereal bouquet of dried roses, violets, red fruit preserves, vanilla, white pepper, and nutmeg. The palate reveals a full-bodied structure, balanced tannins, and a long-lasting finish, delivering an elegant harmony of flavors such as cherry, raspberry, and subtle spice. This balance of complexity and refinement makes it a classic representative of Barbaresco wines.
What Makes It Special
What sets Villadoria Barbaresco apart is its dedication to tradition and quality. The wine is produced with ministerial permission to age Nebbiolo grapes outside the Barbaresco production zone—an honor granted only to select historic wineries. Its clay-limestone terroir, combined with expert winemaking techniques, ensures a wine of supreme elegance and depth. Furthermore, its duality of soft tannins and vibrant aromatics encapsulates the "feminine" character of Barbaresco, distinguishing it from its more robust sibling, Barolo.
How to Enjoy
Villadoria Barbaresco is best savored in the company of hearty and flavorful dishes. Pair it with pasta in meat sauces, braised meats, game, or aged cheeses to elevate its rich profile. Serve it at 18-20°C, and for optimal enjoyment, decant the wine an hour before serving to allow its aromas to fully develop. Whether celebrating special moments or simply indulging in fine wine, Villadoria Barbaresco promises a memorable experience.
Villadoria Barbaresco is more than just a wine; it's a testament to the timeless artistry of Piedmont winemaking. Let this elegant vintage transport you to the rolling hills and storied vineyards of Northern Italy with every sip.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Villadoria Barbaresco made of?
Villadoria Barbaresco is made exclusively from 100% Nebbiolo grapes, sourced from the Barbaresco region in Piedmont, Italy.
What are the main tasting notes of Villadoria Barbaresco?
Villadoria Barbaresco is garnet red with ruby highlights. It has an ethereal nose featuring aromas of rose, violet, red fruit jam, raspberry, vanilla, nutmeg, white pepper, and anise. On the palate, it is full-bodied, balanced, and long-lasting with soft tannins.
What food pairs well with Villadoria Barbaresco?
This wine complements pasta dishes with meat sauces, red meat, braised dishes, game, and matured cheeses. It can also be enjoyed on its own as a sipping wine.
What is the recommended serving temperature for Villadoria Barbaresco?
Serve Villadoria Barbaresco at 18-20°C. It is advisable to open the bottle at least one hour before serving to allow the wine to breathe and fully express its aromas.
How long can Villadoria Barbaresco age?
Villadoria Barbaresco has an aging potential of 10 to 15 years, depending on the vintage. With proper storage, it develops greater complexity and depth over time.
How is Villadoria Barbaresco produced?
The grapes are hand-harvested, gently destemmed and crushed. Alcoholic fermentation occurs in temperature-controlled stainless steel tanks with 15-20 days of skin contact. The wine undergoes malolactic fermentation and is aged for 26 months, including 9 months in medium-sized oak barrels.
What makes Barbaresco different from Barolo?
Both wines are made from Nebbiolo grapes. However, Barbaresco typically has softer tannins and is generally more approachable at a younger age compared to the more robust and intense Barolo.
What are the alcohol content and style of Villadoria Barbaresco?
The alcohol content ranges from 13% to 14.5%. It is an elegant, traditional Barbaresco showcasing finesse and aromatic complexity.
Where does Villadoria source its grapes for Barbaresco?
The grapes are grown on the hills of Barbaresco, Neive, and Treiso, as well as parts of the San Rocco Seno d’Elvio hamlet, which are known for their ideal microclimate and clay-limestone soils.
Does Villadoria produce a Barbaresco Riserva?
Yes, Villadoria produces a Barbaresco Riserva in select favorable years. The Riserva ages for 4 years, offering deeper complexity and more refined tannins.