About this wine
Castello di Neive's flagship wine, made entirely from the historic Santo Stefano cru in the Albesani subzone of Neive — a vineyard the estate has owned in its entirety since 1964 and the first single-vineyard Barbaresco ever bottled.
A serious, structured Barbaresco — best appreciated after some experience with Nebbiolo's tannin and acidity.
Sommelier's Note
"This is arguably the definitive expression of Santo Stefano — deep garnet, cherries and roses over a mineral spine that speaks of the Tanaro's terraces."
Food Pairings
Pairs with braised short rib, wild game, and truffle-based dishes; substantial enough for aged Parmigiano-Reggiano.
When to drink it
Milestone celebrations, fine dining, cellaring for future occasions.
Specs
- Grape Varieties
- Nebbiolo
- Style
- Red
- Alcohol
- 14.5%
- Price Range
- ¥9,500-12,500 (reference estimate converted from overseas retail pricing; actual Japan import pricing may vary)
Terroir & Winemaking
100% Nebbiolo from the Santo Stefano cru, fermented in stainless steel with temperature control and automatic pump-overs for 12-14 days, then aged 12-18 months in French oak barrels.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What makes Santo Stefano special?
- It's a single, wholly-owned cru in Neive's Albesani subzone — Castello di Neive pioneered bottling it separately, and its soils near the Tanaro River give exceptional structure and elegance.
- How is it different from Barbaresco Riserva Santo Stefano?
- The standard Santo Stefano ages 12-18 months in oak, while the Riserva undergoes longer aging (up to 24 months) and additional bottle maturation before release, giving it greater depth.
- What does it taste like?
- Deep garnet color with aromas of purple fruit, wild flowers, cherries, roses, and baking spices, backed by firm but fine tannins.
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