Here, too, it is the Langhe where long, steep hills have formed over thousands of years, flowing into each other to create what is almost a spider's web. The area where Barbaresco is produced lies to the North-East of Alba, a short distance from the province of Asti: small and uniform, it comprises the municipalities of Barbaresco, Treiso and Neive, and a small portion of Alba, San Rocco Seno d'Elvio. Here history is confused with legend and claims that this was the birthplace of Publius Helvius Pertinax, who tried in vain in his short reign - a little less than three months - to restore order and respect for the law in a Roman Empire already doomed to decline. History, however, has nothing to show that nobles and rulers paid any particular attention to Barbaresco.
Indeed, its fortunes only began to grow at the end of the 19th century, when Domizio Cavazza, first director of the Alba Oenology School, established its prime characteristics after an "experimentation" that had been going on for centuries.
But this is not all: the vineyards, the hills have their part to play as witnesses, a past built up of strict selections aimed at reaching the best results, obtained thanks to a terrain that is both rich and well structured.
Its bright garnet red, its aromas with their memory of vanilla, cinnamon and green pepper, or even of dried peaches and fruit jam, that intense savour which immediately gives pleasure and satisfaction - these are the final tangible components of a long process, an engaging task that begins in the vineyard when the weather is still cold and continues in the cellar, where the wine seeks balance and harmony.
Last updated 30-Jun-97
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