# Ugo Lequio Barbaresco Gallina Riserva (2015)

- **Producer:** Ugo Lequio
- **Colour:** red
- **Type:** still
- **Grapes:** Nebbiolo
- **Region:** Piemonte, Italy
- **Style:** Classic
- **Alcohol:** 14.5%
- **Average price:** €57
- **Contains sulphites:** Yes
- **When to drink:** Now or Later
- **Serving temperature:** 15–18 °C
- **Aromas & flavours:** licorice, pepper, vanilla, cedar, chocolate, coffee, leather, tobacco, forest floor, dried fig

## About this wine

The Ugo Lequio Barbaresco Gallina Riserva 2015 is a distinguished red wine from the renowned Barbaresco DOCG in Piedmont, Italy. Produced by Ugo Lequio, this wine hails from the prestigious Gallina cru in Neive, a site celebrated for yielding Nebbiolo grapes that produce wines of exceptional structure, persistence, and elegance. The vineyards, with south-facing exposure and elevations between 170-250 meters, boast ancient vines planted in 1953, 1963, and 1971, contributing to the wine's depth and complexity. As a Riserva, this wine undergoes extended aging, signifying a selection of the finest grapes and a commitment to traditional winemaking that allows the Nebbiolo grape to fully express its potential and the unique terroir of Gallina.

## Interesting facts

- Grapes for this Barbaresco Riserva come from ancient vineyards in the Gallina cru, with some vines planted as early as 1953.
- The 2015 vintage received critical acclaim, scoring 95 points from Wine Enthusiast and 91 points from The Wine Advocate.
- This Riserva undergoes an extensive aging regimen, totaling over 3 years in oak and bottle before release.
- The Gallina cru in Neive is specifically noted for producing wines with excellent structure, persistence, and elegance.

## Food pairing

This Barbaresco Riserva, with its full body, high tannins, and vibrant acidity, demands rich, savory, and protein-heavy dishes. The tannins are softened by the fat and protein in meats and aged cheeses, while the wine's acidity cuts through richness, cleansing the palate. Its complex spicy and earthy notes beautifully complement game, braised dishes, and ingredients like truffles, creating a harmonious and memorable dining experience.

## Wine making process

The winemaking process for Ugo Lequio's Barbaresco Gallina Riserva begins with grapes sourced from old vines in the Gallina cru. Fermentation takes place in stainless steel tanks at a controlled temperature of 28°C, ensuring optimal extraction of color and flavor. A maceration period of 15-18 days follows, allowing for further development of the wine's structure and aromatic profile. The wine then undergoes a significant aging regimen: 20 months in large 25-hectoliter oak casks, followed by an additional 15 months in smaller 5-7 hectoliter French oak barrels. This dual oak aging approach contributes complexity and refinement. Finally, the wine rests for at least 6 months in the bottle before its release, allowing for further integration and softening of tannins.