At a glance

Producer

Bruno Rocca

Region

Barbaresco DOCG, Piedmont, Italy

Grape variety

Nebbiolo (100%)

Wine type

Red

Body

Full-bodied and Bold

Sweetness

Dry

Typical price

$75-$110

Tasting profile

Aroma rich with red cherries, rose petals, tar, and hints of licorice; palate firm with silky tannins, bright acidity, and mineral undertones

Evolution: Fruit will integrate with evolving secondary notes of leather, truffle, forest floor, and spice over next 5-10 years

At peak: Complex bouquet and smooth tannin integration with persistent finish, showcasing terroir expression

Structure

Acidity

High, fresh and balanced

Tannins

Firm, well-structured, and ripe

Alcohol

14.0-14.5%

Aging potential

Excellent - 15-20+ years with proper cellaring

Drinking window

Peak drinking

2028 to 2050

Optimal window

2025 to 2053

Current status

Approaching youthful maturity with potential to develop further complexity

Current condition

Tight tannins and vibrant acidity with primary fruit and floral notes dominant

The 2018 vintage was very good in Barbaresco with balanced ripeness and structure, enabling long-term aging. Nebbiolo’s natural high acidity and tannins coupled with Bruno Rocca’s traditional winemaking practices allow this wine to soften and develop tertiary complexity over two decades, peaking approximately 10-17 years from vintage.

Food pairing

Excellent with rich Piedmontese cuisine like braised beef (Brasato al Barolo), truffle risotto, wild game, mature cheeses, and hearty mushroom dishes.

Serving

Serving temperature

16-18°C / 61-64°F

Decant

Yes (1-2 hours) — To aerate the wine, soften tannins, and open aromatic complexity

Sustainability

Sustainability score: 7/10

Traditional Piedmontese viticulture focusing on soil health and minimal chemical inputs; possible efforts in water conservation and reduced energy use in winery

While Bruno Rocca is a well-regarded traditional producer in Barbaresco, publicly available data does not confirm formal organic or biodynamic certifications. However, regional trends and producer reputation suggest attention to sustainable vineyard management. The carbon footprint is influenced by import logistics and glass packaging, which is typical for premium European wines.