Barbaresco, 1976 Red Wine
Vallebelbo
Bottle size: 75cl
ABV: 13%
Price:
£149.00
Description
Barbaresco 1976 – Vallebelbo
This mature Barbaresco shows a brick-garnet core fading to a wide tawny rim, often with light haze and sediment typical of aged Nebbiolo. The visual impression immediately signals a fully evolved wine that has long left its primary phase behind.
The nose is delicate and tertiary in profile, offering aromas of dried rose petals, pot-pourri, old leather and tobacco leaf. Earthy notes of sous-bois, truffle and autumn leaves mingle with hints of tar, faded cherry fruit, orange peel and a gentle balsamic lift, sometimes touched by walnut skin and dried herbs.
On the palate the wine is light to medium-bodied, with primary fruit largely resolved. Dried red cherry and strawberry nuances give way to savoury, umami elements such as mushroom, leather and cedar. Tannins have softened into a fine, powdery frame while the fresh, linear acidity remains the main structural spine, providing grace rather than power.
The finish is elegant and tapering, offering lingering notes of dried roses, tar and gentle spice. The wine is fully mature and bottle variation is likely; the best bottles are fragile but hauntingly beautiful, while others may show oxidation. Stand the bottle upright before opening, decant only briefly to remove sediment, and serve lightly cool alongside truffled dishes, porcini or aged cheeses
Condition
Good conditions