Barbaresco DOCG “Meruzzano” 2020 – Orlando Abrigo

Every respected sommelier knows that in Langa there is a King, Barolo, and a Queen, Barbaresco. These two royals share their production area, Langa (only a few kilometers separate Barolo from Barbaresco), and their noble grape, Nebbiolo.

Compared to Barolo, Barbaresco is typically less austere and “masculine.” One might call it more elegant, certainly gentler. Abrigo Orlando’s Meruzzano comes from perfectly ripe grapes, followed by a 20-25 day maceration.

After racking, the wine undergoes malolactic fermentation and is aged in 500-liter tonneaux for over a year. Before its final release, the wine matures for another 6-8 months in the cellar.

Only after this long production process is the Barbaresco DOCG Meruzzano ready to face the test of the glass. In the glass, it presents a beautiful garnet red color, with a rich bouquet of cherries and red fruits.

On the palate, it is compact, with well-present tannins that are soft and mature over many years, making this Piedmont red a great wine for aging. We recommend buying more than one bottle to enjoy its evolution over the years.

The Abrigo family is one of the many families in Langa dedicated to wine for generations. In this family, traditions are passed down from father to son, with each generation tasked with preserving what has been done, improving where possible, and ensuring the family business stays up-to-date.

When Giovanni Abrigo started working with his father in 1988, his first thought was to enhance the technological aspects and expand the estate by acquiring land and vineyards.

Today, the winery directly manages about 20 hectares of vineyards, and its wines receive international awards and recognition.