In the Mood for Barolo Rich in Personality🍷? Explore Barale Fratelli!
The Barale family, one of Barolo's oldest winemaking families, holds a distinguished place in the region, celebrated for their perfumed Nebbiolo with finesse. Tracing its roots back to 1870, when Barolo wine was first emerging in the Langhe, the family has been pivotal in shaping this celebrated wine. Today, Sergio Barale and his daughters, Eleonora and Gloria, continue this rich legacy across their 20 hectares of vineyards in Barolo and Barbaresco.
“Today, under the guidance of Eleonora Barale and winemaker Stefano Dellapiana, the wines, the Barolos in particular are fabulous. Readers in search of fine, traditionally-made Barolos that won't break the bank will want to check out Barale immediately.”
- Antonio Galloni, Vinous.com
Barolo is an authentic wine that reflects the unique characteristics of the Nebbiolo grape and its terroir. As noted by Barale Fratelli, true Barolo "needs to express itself freely using its dialect, which shows several variations from hill to hill." This emphasis on terroir is evident in their vineyards, where careful site selection respects the geological diversity of the region. The Barolo is expressed in an elegant and ethereal way thanks to historic vineyards in the towns of Barolo, Castellero, and Cannubi, while in the Bussia area in Monforte d’Alba, more structure develops.
Their winemaking practices are rooted in tradition, utilizing long macerations and aging in large, neutral Slavonian or French oak tonneau (usually 15-30hl), avoiding the influence of barrique. Eleonora Barale describes true Barolo as being perfumed and delicate, yet with a linear structure—wine that can be enjoyed on the nose alone. The family’s Nebbiolo showcases vibrant acidity, a floral bouquet, and complex layers of fruit and earth, all crafted to highlight the grape’s intrinsic qualities.
Emphasizing vintage character, the Barale family allows for distinct variations among vintages, reflecting their terroir's essence. Their cellar practices are simple, employing native yeast fermentation and bottling without fining or filtration, resulting in wines that are high in quality and rich in personality.
Recently, they have embraced organic and biodynamic farming practices. Each bottle offers a unique blend of elegance, complexity, and authenticity, embodying over 150 years of tradition.
SPECIAL OFFER:
ENJOY 15% OFF DISCOUNT ON ALL wines by Barale Fratelli
Promotion period: until Dec 30, 2024
1/ Barale Fratelli 'Castle' Barbera d'Alba Superiore DOC 2019 - Bt | AG92
(15% Off) HK$190 ▷ HK$161
Crafted from grapes in the Barolo and Monforte d’Alba regions. Grown in calcareous, silty clay loam soils at 270 meters, the wine undergoes hand harvesting and a careful vinification process, aging for nine months in tonneaux.
Tasting note
The 2019 Barbera d'Alba Castle is a deep, fleshy wine. Succulent black cherry, mocha, spice and licorice are all kicked up in this evidently extroverted, lush Barbera from Barale. Soft contours and a long, silky feel add to its considerable appeal. This is beautifully done.
-92, Antonio Galloni, Vinous.com, September 2021
2/ Barale Fratelli Langhe Nebbiolo DOC 2019 - Bt
(15% Off) HK$225 ▷ HK$191
Sourced from the Coste di Rose vineyard in Barolo, featuring calcareous, sandy loam soils at 250 meters. The wine is hand-harvested and fermented with indigenous yeasts for 10 to 15 days, aging for six months in tonneaux.
It presents an elegant, pale garnet hue, with subtle notes of red fruits, rose, and a hint of mint on the nose. The palate is noticeably sweeter than typical Nebbiolo, complemented by its signature tannins. This wine is vibrant and expressive, finishing with a pleasant dryness. It pairs beautifully with roasted chicken, pork dishes, and mushroom risottos.
3/ Barale Fratelli Vendemmia Barolo DOCG 2016 - Bt | AG92
(15% Off) HK$395 ▷ HK$336
This 100% pure Nebbiolo is hand-harvested and aged for three years in oak barrels. It showcases a balance of red fruit and spice, with floral hints, a touch of earthiness and chalky tannins. It pairs wonderfully with hearty dishes like braised red meat, and aged cheeses.
Tasting note
The 2016 Barolo Vendemmia is a blend of fruit from Castellero, Preda and Monrobiolo, all in the town of Barolo. Bright red cherry, mint, rose petal and cinnamon give this lithe, mid-weight Barolo lovely aromatic top notes and a real sense of brightness. The tannins need time to soften, but this is a very good wine at its level.
-92, Antonio Galloni, Vinous.com, November 2019
4/ Barale Fratelli Castellero Barolo DOCG 2016 - Bt | AG94/WE96
(15% Off) HK$580 ▷ HK$493
It features ancient Nebbiolo clones from the Castellero vineyard, planted in calcareous soils at 270 meters. Fermentation begins with indigenous yeasts, and maceration continues for up to a month. The wine ages in traditional oak casks for three years. This wine is ideal for pairing with rich dishes such as truffle risottos, and strong, aged cheeses.
Tasting note
The 2016 Barolo Castellero captures all the beguiling nuance of this Monforte d’Alba site. Dried flowers, mint, pine, licorice, spice and sweet red cherry fill out the layers effortlessly. The 2016 is beautifully expressive and resonant, yet it remains light on its feet. There is so much to look forward to.
-94, Antonio Galloni, Vinous.com, October 2020
New leather, camphor, tobacco and fragrant purple flower are just some of the aromas you’ll find on this fragrant, focused red. The delicious palate features juicy red cherry, crushed raspberry, baking spice and truffle while taut polished tannins provide seamless support. Fresh acidity keeps it youthful and balanced. It’s already showing beautifully but will also offer years of pleasure.
-96, Kerin O’Keefe, Wine Enthusiast, July 2020
Promotion period: until Dec 30, 2024
In stock now, and offered subject to final confirmation and remaining unsold. E. & O. E.
HK Local delivery is free for purchases at or over HK$1,500 on wines and Jancis Robinson Wine Glasses. Otherwise there is a HK$100 charge for orders below HK$1,500. A surcharge will be added to orders delivering to Discovery Bay, Ma Wan and Airport.