About Barbaresco Asili Riserva
- Style
- Red
- Grape Varieties
- Nebbiolo
- Price Range
- ¥120,000-160,000
- varies significantly by vintage and market
- Alcohol
- 14.5%
Sourced from the celebrated Asili cru in Neive, one of Barbaresco's most prestigious vineyards, this Riserva is released under Bruno Giacosa's iconic red label only in exceptional vintages. The calcareous clay soils with a sandy vein give the wine an ethereal aromatic profile of rose petals, red cherry, dried herbs, and truffle, framed by fine-grained tannins and bright acidity. Fermented with native yeasts in stainless steel and aged in large Slavonian oak casks for an extended period before further refinement in bottle, it stands alongside the Santo Stefano Riserva as one of the two towering expressions of Giacosa's Barbaresco.
Together with the Santo Stefano Riserva, this is the clearest proof that Giacosa's red label is not marketing — it is a promise of Nebbiolo at its most transcendent.
New to wine?
A benchmark Barbaresco Riserva — powerful yet refined; decant several hours ahead to let the aromatics fully unfold.
Food Pairings
Excellent with braised veal, truffle-laced risotto, and aged Piedmontese cheeses such as Castelmagno. Works beautifully with Japanese dishes like simmered wagyu (nikujaga-style) or grilled duck with citrus.
When to drink it
Milestone celebrations, formal dinners, and serious wine tastings.
Terroir & Winemaking
Hand-harvested from the Asili cru (calcareous clay with sand, south-facing exposure), fermented with native yeasts in stainless steel with extended maceration, then aged roughly 20-36 months in large Slavonian oak botti depending on vintage, followed by further bottle aging before release. Riserva red-label status is declared only in vintages Giacosa's estate deems worthy.
About the producer
Bruno GiacosaThe undisputed master of Barolo and Barbaresco, famed for his ultra-rare Red Label Riservas.Visit the producer page →Frequently Asked Questions
- What makes Barbaresco Asili Riserva different from a standard Barbaresco?
- It comes exclusively from the Asili cru and is bottled under Giacosa's red label only in vintages the estate judges exceptional, with longer maceration and extended Slavonian oak aging for greater depth and longevity.
- How long can this wine age?
- Top vintages are built to age gracefully for 20-30+ years, gradually developing notes of dried rose, tar, and forest floor.
- What food pairs best with it?
- Rich, earthy dishes such as truffle risotto, braised veal, or aged hard cheeses complement its structure and aromatic complexity.
Want to know more about this wine?
Ask Vinami's sommelier — no intimidation, just answers.
Talk to the Sommelier