Size & Type
Other
$239
The notes below are from a 750ml.
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. They understand the rule book so have thrown it away only to be used when they know they need to. I guess that’s what 150 years of making wine can give you!
Yes, there is a rustic nature to this wine, it has structure with that true to commune zippy acid. The aromas dominated by anise, tar, earth, leather, with flowers lying underneath, then a surprise on the palate with a core of energetic sour cherries, the development is there with a savoury, bloody layer and a little spice. The purity of the wine is incredibly attractive, the tannins dusty, yet ripe are bold, but, somehow restrained. The delicacy and transparency of flavour is remarkable.
Another example of just the diversity of inviting styles that Nebbiolo can produce!
Out of 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.
Rose, wild berry and leather aromas mingle with menthol and a whiff of truffle. The firmly structured, focused palate delivers ripe Marasca cherry, star anise and game alongside taut, fine-grained tannins and bright acidity. Best 2022–2028.
Barale's 2016 Barbaresco Serraboella is gorgeous. Rich, translucent and super-expressive, the 2016 has so much to offer. Macerated cherry, plum, lavender, spice, sage and new leather are all vibrant in the glass. Medium in body and plaint, the 2016 is a terrific example of this great Barbaresco vintage. I loved it.
Where in the world does the magic happen?
Barale Fratelli, Via Roma, Barolo, Piedmont, Province of Cuneo, Italy
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