A one man Barbaresco band - Ugo Lequio
/by Amanda
Barbaresco is a celebrated Italian wine produced in the Piedmont region of Italy. The wine is made from the Nebbiolo grape, which is grown in the hills of the Langhe region. This area is home to some of the most famous wines in the world, such as Barolo, and Barbaresco.
Barbaresco is an elegant wine that displays aromas of ripe cherries, violets, and spices. On the palate, it has a light body with bright acidity, firm tannins, and a long, lingering finish. It pairs well with a wide variety of dishes, including red meats, game, and aged cheeses.
Barbaresco has been produced in the Langhe region for centuries, and today it is a DOCG (Denominazione di Origine Controllata e Garantita) wine, meaning that it is subject to strict rules and regulations regarding its production. The wine is made from Nebbiolo grapes that are grown in the communes of Barbaresco, Neive, Treiso, and San Rocco Seno d'Elvio.
Ugo was raised in Neive to a wine making family in the town of Neive, right up the road from where his today's winery is located. He grew up in a family who not only made Barbaresco wine but also some of the other favorites of the Langhe, Dolcetto, Barbera, and Moscato. Because Ugo was the younger son, in a time when you had heiracy within the birth pattern of the children, Ugo was not an heir to take over the family's estate. Thus having to move himself down the street and adjusting his home into also a winery, where he would then be able to practice his art. Ugo has been making wine in his large and comfy home "garage" for the past 40+ years. I guess we can call him one of the first Barbaresco Garagista's.
Today Ugo with the help of his Golden Retriever puppy Joy, he oversees 5 hecare of vineyards in the town of Neive, located inside of one of Barbareso's important geographic mentions Gallina. Many sommelier from all over world who have had the chance to taste his wines would consider Ugo's expression of Barbaresco Gallina one of the purest. He also makes a Langhe Nebbiolo and Barbera d'Alba all coming from his Gallina Vineyard. He is one I highly recommend to keep an eye out for.