At a glance

Producer

Rocca Albino & Figlio

Region

Barbaresco, Piedmont, Italy

Grape variety

Nebbiolo

Wine type

Red

Body

Medium-bodied and Earthy

Sweetness

Dry

Typical price

$120-$220 (estimated, varies with provenance and condition)

Tasting profile

Dried cherry, potpourri, rose petals, aged leather, truffle, subtle earth, faint tar notes, light tertiary spice

Evolution: Primary fruit faded, complex floral and savory/umami notes dominate, delicate palate with lifted acidity and silky texture

At peak: Ethereal and subtle Barbaresco aromas, haunting finish, but fragile structure—likely declining unless from pristine storage

Structure

Acidity

Medium to high (holds freshness if properly cellared)

Tannins

Fine-grained, fully resolved, may seem light by now

Alcohol

13-13.5% ABV (typical for the period)

Aging potential

Original potential was 30-40 years; at 42 years, nearing end-stage but strong bottles can be charming

Drinking window

Peak drinking

1995 to 2005

Optimal window

1990 to 2010

Current status

Mature, possibly past peak for weaker bottles but best examples remain drinkable

Current condition

At 40+ years, most well-stored bottles offer evolved, delicate tertiary complexity; risk of fragility grows with age; top examples can still impress but variability is high

Well-made 1982 Barbaresco from a reputable, traditional house was capable of extended age (30-40+ years in top cases). Most bottles are now fully mature or past peak unless sourced from ideal cellars. 1982 was a very good vintage but not as legendary as 1985/1989, so expect some variability. True survivors remain stunning but delicate.

Food pairing

Braised veal with truffles, porcini mushroom risotto, aged Parmigiano-Reggiano, roasted game birds. Subtlety of wine suits refined, earthy cuisine.

Serving

Serving temperature

16-18°C / 61-64°F

Decant

Yes (Gentle slow pour, 20-30 minutes (watch for sediment)) — Needed to separate heavy sediment, but minimize oxygen as mature wine is fragile

Sustainability

Sustainability score: 3/10

No documented environmental or organic practices by Rocca Albino & Figlio in this era; traditional farming and cellar methods most likely

In the early 1980s, few Piedmont producers practiced formal sustainability; organic/biodynamic certifications were virtually unknown and environmental reporting was not in place. Barbaresco is hand-harvested and low-intervention by tradition, but synthetic vineyard chemicals were common then. No evidence of reduced energy, water, or sustainable packaging. The age of the wine increases its transport-related carbon footprint. Modern sustainability improvements would not apply retroactively to the production of this vintage.