What kind of wine is Barbaresco Riserva DOCG 'Santo Stefano' 2018 - Castello di Neive?

The Barbaresco Riserva DOCG 'Santo Stefano' 2018 - Castello di Neive is a great classic of the Langhe, produced exclusively from Nebbiolo grapes sourced from the renowned Santo Stefano cru, in the heart of the Neive territory. It is a red wine of great elegance and complexity, representing the essence of the Barbaresco DOCG denomination in its most authentic and refined form. Full-bodied yet balanced, this Barbaresco Riserva combines structure, depth, and finesse, characteristics that make it ideal for those who wish to approach great Piedmontese wines without sacrificing harmony of taste.

Vintage Details

The 2018 harvest was balanced and generous, characterized by regular climatic conditions with good temperature excursions between day and night. These conditions favored a homogeneous ripening of the Nebbiolo grapes, which were able to express clean aromas and remarkable tannic elegance. The result is a deep and caressing wine, a faithful interpreter of the vintage.

Winemaking and Aging

The grapes are hand-picked and vinified with great care. Alcoholic fermentation is followed by prolonged maceration on the skins to best extract color and aromatic substances. The wine ages for 6 months in steel tanks to stabilize and preserve the freshness of its aromas, then continues for 18 months in French oak barrels where it acquires complexity and softness, and finally rests for 6 months in bottle to achieve perfect balance before release.

Tasting Notes

Color

It presents an intense garnet red with orange reflections, typical of Nebbiolo in its maturity phase, a sign of its evolution and prestigious aging.

Nose

On the nose, it reveals a complex and refined bouquet, with aromas of ripe red fruits, sweet spices, notes of withered violet, and a touch of licorice and tobacco. The aromatic component evolves in the glass, offering ever new and enveloping sensations.

Taste

On the palate, it is balanced and deep. The tannins, the substances responsible for the astringent sensation typical of structured red wines, are dense but elegant, perfectly integrated into the wine's texture. The persistent finish is long, with a harmonious and slightly balsamic aftertaste that invites another sip.

What to pair Barbaresco Riserva DOCG 'Santo Stefano' 2018 - Castello di Neive with

This Barbaresco Riserva is an ideal companion for rich and savory dishes. It pairs perfectly with:

• Stewed and braised red meats, such as the classic brasato al Barolo;
• Roasted game and wild fowl;
• Aged cheeses with a strong flavor, such as Castelmagno or well-aged Parmigiano Reggiano;
• Traditional Piedmontese dishes, including tajarin with ragù or porcini mushroom risotto.

This is a meditation wine that can also be enjoyed on its own, to fully appreciate its aromatic and gustatory nuances.

Storage and Aging: how to store Barbaresco Riserva DOCG 'Santo Stefano' 2018 - Castello di Neive

To maintain the qualities of this great wine, it is advisable to store it in a cool, dark place, with a constant temperature of around 14-16°C and controlled humidity. The bottle should be placed horizontally, so that the cork maintains the right humidity and prevents air infiltration. Thanks to its structure and balance, the Barbaresco Riserva DOCG 'Santo Stefano' 2018 - Castello di Neive has a remarkable aging potential: it can evolve for over 15 years, developing increasingly complex and nuanced aromas over time, for an ever-growing tasting experience.