Size & Type
Other
$322
The 2016 of this was a cracker. True to the vintage & site with bold yet refined structure. The 2019 is again a cracker and true to vintage. This time all grace and elegance from what is proving a classic year.
Beautifully weighted, the body of this slightly warmer vineyard with the clarity and sophistication of 2019 Barbaresco. Rich red fruit with a savoury darkness creeping in matched with all the layers of complexity that seem to be ever-present in Barale’s wines. I could wax lyrical about all the scents and flavours, instead I’ll leave it at … WOW!
And then there are the tannins … in the wine dictionary under quality Nebbiolo tannins from Barbaresco there is a picture of this bottle!
Such a complete wine. Entrancing perfume and harmony. Incredible touch.
There’s a big difference between old school, never changed a thing, and, old school true to style, yet, with deep consideration of modern science. Looking at the film below you’d think Barale may be the former. Reading their website it is clear that they are the later.
Only 2 left in stock
On the edge of Barolo village, just a few metres down and across the cobblestones of the via Roma from Cantina Bartolo Mascarello, is the unprepossessing cantina frontage to one of the most exciting discoveries in my many years of going to the Langhe. It’s not as though Barale just emerged, but these firmly traditional wines are now being made to the full potential of the family’s remarkable vineyards and this unforced, traditional style is now being fully appreciated.
Barale present a catalogue of superb, authentic Barolo and a cru Barbaresco, bell-clear Piemontese varietals, Nebbiolo, Barbera and Dolcetto, along with a slight twist in the form of a wonderful metodo classico – as good a sparkler as I’ve ever had in Italy. Another great asset is a wonderful, typically far-sighted museum collection, an archive the last 2 decades of Barale winemaking. Oh, and that Chinato, all elegant, fragrant and addictive.
The Barale family have in fact been at it for centuries and while they are amongst the first recorded producers of Barolo wine, from 1870, they appear in the village register of the early 1600s as owners of parts of some pretty familiar vineyard names; Coste di Rose, Cannubi, Castellero and Preda. The current custodians, Sergio Barale and his daughters Eleonora and Gloria owe their heritage to the acquisition, over generations, of vineyards in not only Barolo comune, but also in Monforte d’Alba and Barbaresco. By the 1970’s the family had brought more Cannubi and added Monrobiolo (in Barolo) and some Bussia (in Monforte) and into the 90’s had virtually swapped their long-held Rabaja vineyard in Barbaresco for some Serraboella in Neive planted in 1969. All this covers only 20 ha, with Sergio tailoring his plantings almost precisely only to the best soil and aspect combinations. Virtually the whole of Cannubi was replanted at the end of the 2007 vintage, and although just back in production, it’s with startling results. Vineyards are everything to Barale.
The initial approach is the same for all the reds; delicate crushing in order to keep skins intact, fermentation with indigenous yeasts, controlled temperature and maceration with frequent basting of the skins. The fermentation vessel, temperatures and macerations change according to the grape.
While based in Barolo, Barale makes this beautiful wine from the Serraboella vineyard in Nieve, Barbaresco.
The 2019 Barbaresco Serraboella (with exactly 3,531 bottles made) is a dark and almost savory wine with spice, iron and some stemmy notes as well. This vintage is known for concentration, and indeed, that extra density transcends the bouquet and the mouthfeel with more black fruits, tannic firmness and a harder edge. There is brief thinness on the mid-palate, and the wine concludes with a hint of coarse tannins. It's built like a rock, so give it time to soften.
This structured red offers inviting aromas of violet, woodland berry, leather and forest floor. The savory palate exhibits ripe cherry, cranberry and star anise accompanied by firm, fine-grained tannins and vibrant acidity. Drink after 2029.
Just bottled, the 2019 Barbaresco Serraboella is gracious and nicely lifted. The understated side of Nebbiolo comes through in a mid-weight, ethereal wine that is all class. The 2019 is not a blockbuster, but rather a Barbaresco that is more finesse than power. Sweet tobacco, cedar, mint, dried flowers and herbs lend lovely savour presence.
Where in the world does the magic happen?
Barale Fratelli, Via Roma, Barolo, Piedmont, Province of Cuneo, Italy
You must be logged in to post a comment.