Socré Roncaglie Barbaresco DOCG 2015

While both wines are made from Nebbiolo grapes in Piemonte, Barbaresco is generally more approachable and seductive than its famous neighbour Barolo. The slightly warmer microclimate and different soil composition in Barbaresco's vineyards produce wines that are more delicate and charming, with softer tannins that make them enjoyable earlier in their development. This Socré 2015 exemplifies these qualities perfectly, offering immediate pleasure while still having the structure for long-term ageing.

Decant this wine for at least an hour before serving to allow its complex aromatics to fully develop and the tannins to soften. Serve at cellar temperature (16-18°C) in large Burgundy glasses to capture the wine's heady bouquet of forest berries, violets, and earthy notes. The decanting process will help transport you from your dining room to the foggy hills of Piemonte, as the wine's true character emerges.

This full-bodied Barbaresco's textured, savoury profile makes it ideal for rich, earthy dishes that complement its forest berry and spice notes. Classic pairings include truffle risotto, braised beef with herbs, aged hard cheeses, or wild mushroom dishes. The wine's natural acidity and tannin structure also make it excellent with game meats like venison or duck, where the allspice and mulberry flavours can shine alongside the protein's richness.

This 2015 Barbaresco strikes a beautiful balance - it's approachable now with proper decanting, yet has the structure to age gracefully for many years. The tannins are present but not overwhelming, allowing you to enjoy the wine's current expression of ripe fruit and floral notes. However, if you have the patience, cellaring for another 5-10 years will reward you with even greater complexity and integration of the earthy, mocha, and liquorice elements.

A 94-point rating from Wine Enthusiast places this Barbaresco in the 'outstanding' category, indicating exceptional quality and complexity. This score reflects the wine's masterful balance of ripe fruit character without jamminess, its elegant integration of tannins, and the sophisticated interplay of primary fruit flavours with secondary notes of violets, earth, and spice. The single vineyard designation further emphasises the wine's terroir expression and the producer's commitment to showcasing the unique characteristics of the Roncaglie site.