Barolo Riserva DOCG Bussia 2017 Fratelli Barale

What kind of wine it is

Barolo Riserva Bussia by Fratelli Barale is a still red wine produced in Piedmont exclusively from Nebbiolo grapes. This wine stands out for its dry, full, and structured style, supported by a long and carefully managed aging process. Its technical approach, combined with maturation in wood and glass before its release, gives it a rigorous and complex profile. It is a wine with a traditional character, ideal for those seeking a slow evolution over time and assured longevity.

Where it comes from

Production takes place in the municipality of Barolo, a historic area for vine cultivation, where Fratelli Barale has operated since the late 19th century and is now led by Eleonora and Gloria Barale. The grapes come from the Bussia cru, an area renowned for its strong aptitude for producing reds suitable for long aging. This specific hilly territory imparts the wine with distinctive territorial typicity and enhances the natural qualities of the starting grape variety.

How it is produced

The grapes are harvested around mid-October, destemmed, and gently crushed. The winemaking process involves fermentation and maceration for about thirty days in temperature-controlled oak vats to ensure measured and progressive extraction. The wine then matures for three years in French oak barrels, followed by a notable two-year rest in glass demijohns. The process is completed with bottling without fining or stabilization and a final bottle aging of at least twelve months, which defines its Riserva style.

Tasting notes

To the eye, it shows a ruby red color with bright garnet highlights. On the nose, the profile is ample and ethereal, characterized by clear notes of wilted rose and violet, intertwined with spicy nuances and characteristic hints of goudron. On the palate, the sip is strictly dry and of great structure, supported by a substantial tactile sensation yet exhibiting a velvety texture. The flavor progression is harmonious, closing with a long, persistent, and remarkably consistent finish.

Food pairing

Its sensory characteristics make it the perfect companion for roast red meat and game, as it enhances slow-cooked dishes in particular. It forms a traditional synergy with classic Piedmontese cuisine and flawlessly complements the richness of braised beef or the savory character of tajarin with meat ragout. Excellent also alongside boards of aged cheeses, where the wine’s intensity can balance the persistence of the food without ever being overshadowed.

When to serve

This wine is the perfect choice for important social occasions where you wish to serve a wine of remarkable intensity and depth. Its marked aging potential means it can be fully enjoyed either immediately, to appreciate its current finesse, or after lengthy cellaring that will increase its complexity. It is particularly suited to slow, contemplative enjoyment, making the glass the true protagonist of memorable lunches and dinners.