Barbaresco DOCG

Score

92

"The Moccagatta 2017 Barbaresco is a blend of fruit from Muncagota and Ronchi (in Barbaresco) and Cottà (in Neive). This classic expression is beautifully accessible and immediate with a sweet and smooth quality that permeates the entire wine. That sweetness reflects the warmth and heat of the vintage, and the wine is more structured and tannic that you might initially suspect. Some of that firmness comes from 12 months of barrique aging. It packs a swift little kick at the end that gives this wine the power to pair with beef or pork. Some 8,000 bottles were made."

Score

93

"A rich, round Barbaresco with ripe berries, chocolate, orange peel and dried meat. Round-textured tannins and a juicy, savory finish. Drinkable already, but better in two or three years. Try after 2022."

Score

90+

"The 2017 Barbaresco is an attractive entry-level wine from Moccagatta. The 2017 doesn’t quite have the body of some recent editions, but it is open aromatically and very nicely balanced, with mid-weight structure and plenty of near to medium-term appeal. Sweet spice, floral and vanillin notes linger nicely on the close. I would prefer to drink the 2017 sooner rather than later, before the fruit fades. The decision to age the straight Barbaresco in neutral oak works well given the modest structure of the year."