Ugo Lequio - Barbaresco DOCG 2020

Rust-brown red in color. Aromas of fresh plum, raspberry, and subtle spices. Silky and elegant, with ripe tannins, fresh acidity, and a long, refined finish.

Pairs well with ribbon pasta, agnolotti, mushrooms, truffle, veal, and poultry. Also excellent with roasted meat and aged cheeses. Serve at 18 °C.

Ugo Lequio is a story unto himself. In 1981, he started his own small, almost ‘garage’-style winery, without owning a single vine. Born and raised in Neive as the youngest son of a winemaking family, he knew the area and the best vineyards like no one else. His winery is located right next to the famous Gallina hill, where the historic Cascina Nuova—now owned by the Marcarino family—is situated.

Because the family vineyards did not belong to him, Ugo chose a different path: he set out in search of the best grapes. He started with Barbera from the Marcarino family and built a relationship of trust with them over the years. Eventually, he managed to convince them to sell him a portion of their precious Nebbiolo as well. These grapes previously went to the legendary winemaker Bruno Giacosa.

Ugo does almost everything himself and personally oversees vineyard management. His grape selection is extremely meticulous, and his winemaking is distinctly traditional. Furthermore, he deliberately gives his wines more time than the regulations require. Aging takes place in large wooden botti, followed by further rest in his wine cellar in Neive.

That combination of patience, precision, and craftsmanship results in wines with depth, structure, and a distinctly unique character. Ugo is a true artisan who prioritizes quality over production and only releases his wines when he feels they are ready.

Kerin O’Keefe of Wine Enthusiast described his Arneis as “a fantastic expression of Arneis” from one of the best, yet still remarkably little-known, producers in the Langhe.

Gallina in Neive, one of the most renowned MGAs in the Barbaresco region. Its south to southwesterly exposure provides a sunny microclimate. Nebbiolo from Gallina is known for its finesse and elegance, with a refined structure and beautiful suppleness.

100% Nebbiolo, traditionally fermented with a long maceration for extra depth and complexity. The wine is then aged in large wooden casks (botte), which further refines the tannins and harmony.

An elegant yet structured Barbaresco that has good potential for further development. Already drinking well, but can be cellared for approximately 8–12 years after the vintage.