Rio Sordo

1985 Barbaresco Red Blend

Bruno Giacosa's Rio Sordo from the esteemed Barbaresco region is a captivating red blend that showcases the artistry of traditional winemaking. This vintage, dating back to 1985, pours an enchanting ruby hue, reflecting its age while still revealing a youthful vibrancy. On the palate, it is medium-bodied, offering a delightful balance between luscious fruit and refined structure. The wine exudes ripe cherry and plum, harmoniously intertwined with subtle notes of earthiness and spice, which are signatures of its native terroir. Acidity plays a key role, providing a refreshing lift and an elegant mouthfeel, while the tannins are notably firm yet beautifully integrated, promising further development with time. This elegant wine remains dry, embodying the classic characteristics that have made Barbaresco one of the most revered wine regions in the world. Enjoying this bottle is not just about savoring a great wine; it’s about experiencing a piece of history crafted with passion and skill.

Tasting notes:

Cherry

Leather

Earth

Flavor profile:

Acidity Mild

Low Pronounced

Body Medium

Very Light Full

Fruit Intensity Medium

Low Pronounced

Sweetness Dry

Bone Dry Sweet

Tannin Medium

Low Pronounced

Region:

Barbaresco

Lying to the east of Barolo, Barbaresco's Nebbiolo wines are similarly bold and tannic, yet tend to be softer and more elegant. Red fruit notes dominate—typically summer berries and fragrant cherries—backed by glorious rose, potpourri, and anise fragrances. You also tend to find a lot less of Barolo's "tar" notes in these wines. The DOCG area is smaller than Barolo, with a slightly milder climate and limestone-based soils. All of this makes its wines a bit more approachable at a younger age. Barbaresco wine must age 26 months before release, with at least nine of those months spent in oak. The DOCG (Denominazione di Origine Controllata e Garantita) classification is the top tier for Italian wine classifications. It controls production methods and wine quality. Strict rules oversee the production of DOCG designated wines, including allowed varietals, winemaking procedures, barrel and bottle aging methods, grape ripeness and limits on grape yields during harvest. DOCG wines are also required to be officially tasted. DOCG bottles have numbered government seals across the neck of the bottle to prevent forgery.

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