Barbaresco has long been in the shadow of its famous neighbor, Barolo. Like Barolo, it is a dry, complex, and aromatic red capable of long-term aging. In general, however, Barbaresco tends to be somewhat softer and earlier maturing. Made from the fickle nebbiolo grape in the marginal climate of Piedmont at the foot of the Italian Alps, there may be only three truly great vintages of Barbaresco in any given decade. With better viticultural techniques, however, even marginal vintages are apt to produce very good wines. Additionally, these off years can usually be enjoyable from the start, without the decade or so of aging that a great vintage will demand. Over the last ten years, 1988, 1989, and 1990 were all great years; early indicators suggest the same for the upcoming 1995 through 1997 trio. As for 1991 through 1994, these are of the earlier drinking, accessible type, with 1994 seeming to have a shade more grip than 1993...a situation that is the inverse of Barolo.
