Barale traces its roots all the way back to 1870 when Barolo wine had just appeared on the scene in the Langhe. Francesco Barale, great-grandfather of the current owner, was among the pioneers in the production of this blessed wine. Today Sergio Barale and daughters Eleonora and Gloria carry on the centuries old family tradition. The nineteenth-century manor house in the historic center of Barolo is the administrative and commercial headquarters of the company.

Municipality of Barolo, Castellero vineyard. Vineyard planted in 1978 and 1991; organic farming. Garnet red with orange hues. The nose is ethereal, mineral, hints of ripe red fruit, dried rose and underwood. The palate is dry, sapid and velvety; rich in elegant tannins of ripe fruit.

Red fruits, blood plum and spice, dried herb, some rose/lavender sage perfume. Fair succulence, some tar and orange peel, powdery tannin, latent perfume and forest floor things, freshness and juiciness to the acidity, and a fine spread of chalky tannin rolls out on the finish. In some respects, a wine that’s perhaps a little difficult to describe accurately, but very good it is. It will be excellent with appropriate bottle age. Tasted: June 2020; Alcohol: 14%; Price: $160; Closure: Cork; Drink: 2024-2036; Rated: 94+ Points; Gary Walsh; The Wine Front