2009 Barbaresco Terre di Bo

We have still not gotten into the rhythm of life as farmers, but since daylight is much longer, we are keeping later hours working in the vineyard. Last night, it was only 7 p.m., early enough to wash up and go out for dinner, but we decided to pick up some steaks and have a salad. My husband, among his many talents, can grill. While waiting for dinner, he opened up this 2009 Barbaresco Terre di Bo. We knew upon first sip that the soft tannins and acids would stand up to the hearty steak. It was a balanced wine with good red and black berry flavors, so yummy! The grape used in the Barbaresco wines are Nebbiolo. The color of the Terre di Bo was clear, ruby in the glass and went seamlessly with the steak. The best thing about this Barbaresco is that you can pick it up for $20.00.
This Barbaresco is designated as DOCG (Denominazione di Origine Controllata e Garantita). With a little searching on the Internet, I learned that the Terre di Bo Barbaresco was designated as DOCG in 1980. This means that there are strict rules governing the production of these wines. This is similar to the French Appellation d'Origine Contrôlée (AOC).
To be a DOCG in Italy, rules such as the permitted grape varieties, yield limits, grape ripeness, winemaking procedures and ageing specifications, must be followed. In addition, every DOCG wine is subject to official tasting procedures. It passed our taste test as well.¹
A perfect ending for yet another day of hoeing rocks!
Reference:
1. Italian Wine Label Designation.
More Information:
Wikipedia Denominazione di origine controllata.