- Last updated on March 17, 2023
Our Best Barbaresco Selection
- Best Overall: Roagna Pajè Barbaresco
- Best Overall runner-up: Castello di Neive Barbaresco Santo Stefano 2019
- Best Value: Ronchi Barbaresco 2019
- Best under $30: Adriano Marco e Vittorio Basarin Barbaresco
- Best under $40: Cantine Povero Batù Barbaresco 2018
- Best under $50: Prunotto Barbaresco 2018
- Best under $60: Produttori del Barbaresco Barbaresco
- Best under $80: Moccagatta Bric Balin Barbaresco 2016
- Best under $100: Carlo Giacosa Luca Barbaresco Riserva 2016
- Best Luxury: Gaja Sorì Tildìn (Barbaresco) Langhe
10 Best Barbaresco Reviewed
Find below the reviews for our wine selection of the 10 Best Barbaresco so that you have all the info you need to pick what’s best for you.
Vivino’s tips: Good value for money. Similar wines usually cost 78% more. | Featured in Vivino’s 2020 Wine Style Awards: Italian Barbaresco (2013 Vintage)
Region: Italy, Piemonte
Tasting notes: Red Fruit, Leather, Tobacco, Spices, Violet, Rose.
Roagna Pajè Barbaresco is a stunning wine that embodies the traditional style of Barbaresco while showcasing the distinct characteristics of the Pajè vineyard.
The wine’s complex aromas and flavors, combined with its impeccable balance and structure, make it a true standout among Barbarescos.
This wine is a testament to the Roagna family’s commitment to producing top-quality wines with a deep respect for tradition and terroir.
Anyone who appreciates the elegance and complexity of Barbaresco should not miss the opportunity to try Roagna Pajè Barbaresco.
Wine’s tips: Consistently rated over 94 points.
Region: Italy, Piemonte
Tasting notes: Raspberry, Black Cherry, Plum, Licorice, Tobacco, Oak.
Castello di Neive Barbaresco Santo Stefano 2019 is an exceptional wine that truly captures the essence of the Nebbiolo grape and the unique terroir of the Piedmont region.
With its rich aromas of dark fruit and spices, and its complex flavors of black cherry, licorice, and tobacco, this wine is a true expression of the art of winemaking.
But what really sets this wine apart is its balance and elegance.
Despite its full body and powerful tannins, it maintains a remarkable finesse that makes it a pleasure to drink.
And while it is undeniably a wine that will age beautifully for many years to come, it is also enjoyable now with a good decanting.
Overall, the Castello di Neive Barbaresco Santo Stefano 2019 is a wine that every wine enthusiast should have in their cellar.
It is a testament to the dedication and expertise of the winemakers at Castello di Neive, and a true treasure of the Piedmont region.
Don’t miss the opportunity to experience this exceptional Barbaresco for yourself!
Wine’s tips: Consistently rated over 90+ points.
Region: Italy, Piemonte
Tasting notes: Raspberry, Cherry, Plum, Smoke, Tar, Tobacco, Oak.
Ronchi Barbaresco is a classic Italian red wine that showcases the best qualities of the Nebbiolo grape.
This wine is a true masterpiece, with its complex aromas and flavors, firm tannins, and balanced acidity.
It is a perfect example of how Italian winemakers can produce world-class wines, and Ronchi is one of the most renowned wineries in the region.
This wine is a must-try for any wine enthusiast, and its aging potential makes it a great addition to any wine cellar.
Vivino’s tips: Good value for money. Similar wines usually cost 50% more.
Region: Italy, Piemonte
Tasting notes: Ripe Cherry, Strawberry, Plum, Earthy, Rose, Violet.
This is a great entry level Barbaresco that offers great value for your money!
The bouquet is layered with forest floor, violet, rose and berry, while the palate delivers ripe cherry, white pepper, cinnamon and mint flavours.
The tannins are still youthful and tight.
Vivino’s tips: Great value for money. Similar wines usually cost 2 times as much.
Region: Italy, Piemonte
Tasting notes: Cherry, Raspberry, Plum, Leather, Earthy, Violet.
At this price range, this is currently one of the best Barbaresco you can find from price ratio point of view.
Expect cherry, raspberry, plum, oak and leather notes and balanced wine overall.
Vivino’s tips: 90 points by Wine Enthusiast (2018 Vintage)
Region: Italy, Piemonte
Tasting notes: Cherry, Raspberry, Plum, Oak, Licorice, Pepper, Violet.
Prunotto Barbaresco is a fantastic expression of the Nebbiolo grape and a shining example of the quality that can be achieved in the Barbaresco DOCG.
Its elegant, complex flavor profile is a testament to the skill and expertise of the winemakers at Prunotto, who have managed to create a wine that perfectly balances power and finesse.
Whether you’re a fan of Italian wines or simply looking for a high-quality red to enjoy, Prunotto Barbaresco is definitely worth seeking out.
Its versatility and depth of flavor make it an excellent choice to pair with a wide range of dishes, and its aging potential means that it will only continue to improve with time.
All in all, this is a wine that’s sure to impress and delight even the most discerning of wine enthusiasts.
Wine’s tips: Consistently rated over 93 points.
Region: Italy, Piemonte
Tasting notes: Raspberry, Cherry, Plum, Cinnamon, Tobacco.
Produttori del Barbaresco Barbaresco is a classic and well-balanced wine that is a great representation of the Barbaresco region.
The wine is complex and full-bodied, with flavors of red fruit, herbs, and spices that are characteristic of the Nebbiolo grape.
The wine has firm tannins and refreshing acidity, which give it structure and balance.
This wine is a great option for those looking for a high-quality Italian red wine that can be enjoyed with food or on its own.
The Produttori del Barbaresco cooperative is a top-notch winery that produces some of the best wines in the region, and this Barbaresco is no exception.
It’s a must-try for any wine enthusiast.
Vivino’s tips: Good value for money. Similar wines usually cost 62% more.
Region: Italy, Piemonte
Tasting notes: Raspberry, Cherry, Plum, Smoke, Tar, Tobacco, Oak.
Bric Balin is another great Barbaresco bottle at a very competitive price for the quality it offers. I’ll be quick if I were you!
Lively, juicy and nicely balanced, with harmonious acidity framing the wine’s red fruit and medicinal flavors.
Very good depth and length here, with the tannins nicely supporting the wine’s finishing fruit.
Vivino’s tips: Great value for money. Similar wines usually cost 4 times as much.
Region: Italy, Piemonte
Tasting notes: Sour Cherry, Strawberry, Plum, Rose, Tobacco, Cinnamon.
Carlo Giacosa Luca Barbaresco Riserva is a remarkable wine that showcases the best of the Nebbiolo grape.
With its complex aromas of dark fruit, earth, and spice, as well as its nuanced flavors of red berries, licorice, and tobacco, this wine is a true delight for the senses.
Its fine tannins and lively acidity provide structure and balance, while its long and elegant finish leaves a lasting impression.
Whether you are a fan of Italian wine or a lover of fine wine in general, the Carlo Giacosa Luca Barbaresco Riserva is a must-try.
Its exceptional quality and craftsmanship make it a true gem of the wine world.
Vivino’s tips: 96 points by Jeff Leve (2007 Vintage)
Region: Italy, Piemonte
Tasting notes: Cherry, Strawberry, Roses, Leather, Licorice, Oak, Tobacco.
Gaja Sorì Tildìn is an exceptional wine that truly showcases the quality and character of Barbaresco.
With its complex and layered flavor profile, elegant structure, and long, luxurious finish, it’s easy to see why this wine has gained such a dedicated following among wine enthusiasts and collectors.
Whether you’re a seasoned Barbaresco fan or just starting to explore the world of Italian wine, Gaja Sorì Tildìn is definitely worth trying.
Its outstanding quality and reputation make it a great choice for special occasions, celebrations, or simply enjoying with a delicious meal.
Buying Guide to Barbaresco
It’s not just about which Barbaresco you should buy.
There are other important aspects like how to serve it, food pairings, and much more.
The below buying guide will give you a detailed overview of all these topics.
Barbaresco Overview
Here you find an overview of where Barbaresco is most commonly planted.
Grape
Nebbiolo
ABV
13.5%–15%
Main Regions
Italy: Piemonte
Other Regions
-
Grape
Nebbiolo
ABV
13.5%–15%
Main Regions
Italy: Piemonte
Other Regions
-
Barbaresco Taste Profile
These are some of the most common aromas and flavors of Barbaresco.
Color
Pale Garnet
Nose
Cherry
Roses
Violet
Truffel
Licorice
Palate
Red Fruit, Licorice
Dry
Medium - High Acidity
Medium - High Tannins
Medium to Full Body
Color
Pale Garnet
Nose
Cherry
Roses
Violet
Truffel
Licorice
Palate
Red Fruit, Licorice
Dry
Medium - High Acidity
Medium - High Tannins
Medium to Full Body
Barbaresco Food Pairing
These are some food pairing suggestions for Barbaresco.
Appetizer
Porcini Mushroom,
Truffle Risotto/Tajarin,
Vitello Tonnato,
Grilled Radicchio,
Butternut Squash
Meat
Battuta di Fassona (Meat Tartare),
Braised Duck,
Roast Turkey,
Ribeye Steak
Fish
-
Cheese
Semi Hard (Parmigiano, Pecorino)
Blue Cheese (Gorgonzola)
Appetizer
Porcini Mushroom,
Truffle Risotto/Tajarin,
Vitello Tonnato,
Grilled Radicchio,
Butternut Squash
Meat
Battuta di Fassona (Meat Tartare),
Braised Duck,
Roast Turkey,
Ribeye Steak
Fish
-
Cheese
Semi Hard (Parmigiano, Pecorino)
Blue Cheese (Gorgonzola)
Serve and Store Barbaresco
Here you find some useful tips on how to serve and store Barbaresco.
Decant
1 hrs
Glass
Aroma Collector
Serve at
64 - 68 °F
18 - 20 °C
Store for
Up to 10 years
Up to 20+ years finest bottles only
Decant
1 hrs
Glass
Aroma Collector
Serve at
64 - 68 °F
18 - 20 °C
Store for
Up to 10 years
Up to 20+ years finest bottles only
Barbaresco Styles
You’ll find primarily two Barbaresco styles: DOCG and Riserva.
The DOCG appellation, see below in FAQ section for more details, requires 2 years of ageing and at least 9 months in oak.
Barbaresco Riserva must age for at least four years and at least 9 months in oak.
Barbaresco wine are very tannic, as such you should wait at least 5 to 10 years after vintage before drink it.
Our Verdict
What to do next?
Read our wine tasting guide to enhance your tasting experience and taste like the pro!
Alternatively, why don’t you check out our guides on Merlot, Pinot Noir, Cabernet Sauvignon vs Merlot, or the other red wines?
FAQ
Here are some of the most frequently asked questions about Barbaresco.
What does Barbaresco mean?
There’s not yet clarity about the origin of the name Barbaresco.
Many researches agree that the name comes from the barbaric tribes that caused the end of the Roman Empire.
What is Barbaresco history?
Barbaresco is one of first recognised appellations in Italy, along with Barolo since 1966.
The Barbaresco wine was first produced in 1894 in the Barbaresco area.
It’s only in the 1950s that Barbaresco become famous thanks to two young winemakers, Bruno Giacosa and Angelo Gaja, who started to market Barbaresco internationally.
Where does Nebbiolo grow best?
When is the perfect time to drink Barbaresco?
Barbaresco is a full body and complex wine, as such it is a great choice for truffle, rich fat dishes and red meats dinner.
Is Barbaresco sweet?
Barbaresco is not sweet. It is a dry wine which means it contains less than 15 g/L, or sugar per liter.
Learn more about wine sweetness level here.
What does the acronym DOC and DOCG mean?
DOC stands for Denominazione di Origine Controllata. It’s one of the highest classification in Italy.
DOCG stands for Denominazione di Origine Controllata e Garantita. It’s the highest classification in Italy.
Every DOCG wine is tested before bottling by a committee of licensed judges which guarantee the quality of the wine.
To obtain DOC winemakers need to follow rigorous protocols for harvesting, cultivation, and production.
Other common classifications are DO and IGT.[2]
What’s Barbaresco's typical price range?
Barbaresco is rarely an affordable wine but you can find good entry-level bottle around $30-$40.
Great bottles will generally priced around $50-$100 price range.
For those of you who are after the luxury segment be prepared to spend several $100s.
