Shop Barale

On the edge of Barolo village, just a few metres down and across the cobblestones of the via Roma from Cantina Bartolo Mascarello, is the unprepossessing cantina frontage to one of the most exciting discoveries in my many years of going to the Langhe. It’s not as though Barale just emerged, but these firmly traditional wines are now being made to the full potential of the family’s remarkable vineyards and this unforced, traditional style is now being fully appreciated.

Nestled within the historic Langhe region, Fratelli Barale stands as one of its oldest estates, tracing its roots back to 1870, just after the inception of the renowned Barolo denomination. This monumental creation was achieved with the support of illustrious figures such as Marchesi Falletti and the founding father of modern Italy, Count of Cavour, Camillo Benso. Today, the estate is expertly guided by Sergio Barale and his dedicated daughters. The diverse range of Barolo expressions undergoes a meticulous aging process, maturing gracefully for two to three years in the traditional botte grande.

Barale present a catalogue of superb, authentic Barolo and a cru Barbaresco, bell-clear Piemontese varietals, Nebbiolo, Barbera and Dolcetto, along with a slight twist in the form of a wonderful metodo classico – as good a sparkler as I’ve ever had in Italy. Another great asset is a wonderful, typically far-sighted museum collection, an archive the last 2 decades of Barale winemaking. Oh, and that Chinato, all elegant, fragrant and addictive.