42 exceptional Nebbiolo wines assembled for debut of ‘Top Tales’ extravaganza in the city
Barolo & Barbaresco World Opening (BBWO) lands in Hong Kong for the first time, with the Consortium for the Protection of Barolo Barbaresco Alba Langhe and Dogliani presenting an exclusive wine dinner last night to showcase 42 of the Langhe region’s most noble wines. The multitude of majestic labels unveiled at the glittering celebration would make ideal choices for Christmas gifts or to complement festive celebrations.
Hosted by Consortium President Mr Matteo Ascheri for key wine professionals, collectors and media, the BBWO Hong Kong dinner was part of the Consortium’s three-year ‘Top Tales: A Piece of Europe on Your Table’ initiative to spread the joys of southern Piedmont’s acclaimed winemaking tradition beyond the European continent. Visiting Hong Kong was a priority for the Consortium this winter as the promotional tour unfurled its third and final edition, having successfully embraced the wine connoisseurs of China.
The Barolo DOCG and Barbaresco DOCG (Denominazione di Origine Controllata e Garantita) appellations are home to the world’s most famous singular expressions of Piedmont’s native Nebbiolo grape. Today’s producers in the Langhe, located in northwest Italy, are heir to almost two centuries of sunny and spectacular hillside cultivation – Barolo was first hailed as ‘The King of Wines and the Wine of Kings’ some 175 years ago.
Befitting their classification as premier, age-worthy red wines, the robust, full-bodied Barolo, redolent with dark fruit, earth and spice, and the elegant, red-fruited and floral Barbaresco make unique gifts to be laid down and enjoyed at their prime. If a superior vintage, they can be treasured as a valuable collectible. If opened for the Christmas table, they are natural accompaniments to rich, hearty dishes like braised meat, aged cheese and truffles – another of the Langhe’s great gastronomic gifts to the world.
Barolo DOCG is a grand wine with the noblest of histories. Championed from the 1830s by influential aristocrats like Guilia Colbert Falletti, the last Marquess of Barolo, and Count Camillo Benso of Cavour, who would become Italy’s first Prime Minister, it was sipped in the courts of Europe. It is now made in 11 communes in the Barolo vicinity and enjoyed the world over for its glorious dark red appearance and its fruity and spicy power. Aromas and tastes of red berries, cherries in liqueur and jam; roses and violets; cinnamon, pepper, nutmeg and vanilla; and occasionally liquorice, cocoa, tobacco and leather can be discerned on the nose and palate, and develop over a long, captivating finish.
The pride of many collectors’ cellars, Barolo is a prized wine that benefits from long ageing, with 10 or 20 years considered the norm. Producers must age their wine for a minimum of three years – including 18 months in oak barrels – before bottling. To qualify as Barolo Riserva, it has to be aged for at least five years.c
