# Barbaresco Roncaglie (2016)

- **Producer:** Poderi Colla
- **Colour:** red
- **Type:** still
- **Grapes:** Nebbiolo
- **Region:** Piemonte, Italy
- **Style:** Classic
- **Alcohol:** 14.0%
- **Average price:** €70
- **Contains sulphites:** Yes
- **When to drink:** Now or Later
- **Serving temperature:** 16–18 °C
- **Aromas & flavours:** cherry, plum, rose, violet, redcurrant, raspberry, black pepper, liquorice, vanilla, cloves, cedar, smoke, leather, tobacco, forest floor, mushroom, dried cranberry, tar

## About this wine

Poderi Colla is a historic estate in Piedmont, founded by Beppe Colla—a legendary figure who helped define the modern Barolo and Barbaresco appellations—and his brother Tino. The Roncaglie vineyard in Barbaresco is historically recognized as one of the region's finest crus, celebrated since the 19th century for its exceptional exposure and unique microclimate. This bottling represents a classic, terroir-driven expression of Nebbiolo, crafted with deep respect for Langhe traditions.

## Interesting facts

- The Roncaglie vineyard was praised as a top-tier site as early as 1879 by the ampelographer Lorenzo Fantini.
- Beppe Colla, the estate's co-founder, was the first to vinify and label single-vineyard crus in the Langhe in 1961.
- The 2016 vintage in Piedmont is widely considered one of the greatest of the 21st century, showing perfect balance and structure.

## Food pairing

The high acidity and firm tannins of this Barbaresco require rich, savory dishes with ample protein and fat to soften the structure. Earthy flavors like mushrooms and truffles mirror the wine's complex tertiary notes, while slow-cooked meats complement its intensity.

## Wine making process

The grapes are hand-harvested from the Roncaglie cru. Fermentation takes place in temperature-controlled stainless steel tanks with skin contact for about 12 to 15 days. The wine is then aged for approximately 12 to 14 months in oak casks (botti) of varying sizes, followed by further refinement in the bottle before release, preserving the purity of the Nebbiolo grape and the distinct mineral character of the Roncaglie terroir.