# Barbaresco Rio Sordo (2018)

- **Producer:** Musso
- **Colour:** red
- **Type:** still
- **Grapes:** Nebbiolo
- **Region:** Piemonte, Italy
- **Style:** Classic
- **Alcohol:** 14.5%
- **Average price:** €53
- **Contains sulphites:** No
- **When to drink:** Now or Later
- **Serving temperature:** 16–18 °C
- **Aromas & flavours:** apricot, red cherry, dried fruit, vanilla, cloves, cinnamon, leather, tobacco, earth, dried flowers

## About this wine

The Musso Barbaresco Rio Sordo 2018 is a 100% Nebbiolo from the Barbaresco DOCG in Piedmont, Italy. The Musso family, with a winemaking history spanning over 300 years and the winery established in 1929, manages the estate across three generations. Their philosophy emphasizes a deep connection to the land and traditional winemaking. The wine originates from the prestigious 'Rio Sordo' cru, a small, 1-hectare plot owned by Musso, characterized by limestone and clay-rich soils that contribute to its unique profile. The 2018 vintage saw warmer pre-harvest temperatures, potentially influencing the wine's character.

## Interesting facts

- Musso has owned their plot in the prestigious Rio Sordo cru for generations.
- The Musso family's winemaking roots in Barbaresco date back over 300 years.
- The winery was founded during the Great Depression in 1929.
- The 2018 vintage may offer a hint of ripeness due to warmer pre-harvest temperatures.

## Food pairing

The wine's full body and firm tannins are well-suited to complement the richness and protein of red meats, helping to cleanse the palate. Earthy notes in the wine can harmonize with ingredients like mushrooms and root vegetables, while its complexity can stand up to robust flavors and slow-cooked preparations.

## Wine making process

The Musso Barbaresco Rio Sordo 2018 is produced from 100% Nebbiolo grapes. The harvest is done by hand. Fermentation occurs in stainless steel tanks with a maceration period of around 20 days. Following fermentation, the wine is aged for 24 months in large Slavonian oak barrels. It then undergoes an additional 8 months of bottle aging before its release. The winery employs organic farming methods and aims for minimal sulfite additions.