On Barbaresco: The Queen of Piedmont Wines
In this interview, Marco Buttignol of Castello di Verduno explains the Barbaresco DOCG, its soils, villages, and style compared with Barolo. Interview by Damien Casten, CEO of Candid Wines.
Castello di Verduno wines are available in Chicago and throughout Illinois exclusively through Candid Wines.
Key insights:
Appellation size: Smaller than Barolo, located along the Tanaro River.
Soils: Generally younger and sandier than Barolo, giving Barbaresco greater approachability.
Villages: Barbaresco, Neive, Treiso, and part of Alba.
Style: Described as the “queen,” Barbaresco is elegant, refined, and earlier drinking than Barolo.
MGA system: As in Barolo, vineyards are divided into Menzioni Geografiche Aggiuntive (crus). Castello di Verduno focuses on Faset, Rabajà, and Rabajà-Bas.
Winemaking rules: Requires at least 18 months in wood, but the type of oak is not specified.
📍 Filmed on September 15, 2025 at Candid Wines (www.candidwines.com). Learn more about the producer at Cantine Castello di Verduno (www.cantinecastellodiverduno.it/en).
⏱️ Timestamps
0:00 – Introduction to Barbaresco DOCG
0:20 – Size and soils compared with Barolo
0:50 – The four villages of Barbaresco
1:10 – Barbaresco as the “queen” of wines
1:40 – MGA system and Castello di Verduno crus
2:00 – Winemaking rules and oak requirements
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