2022 Bruno Rocca Barbaresco, Piedmont

The 2022 Barbaresco is fabulous. Aromatic and pliant, with superb depth, the 2022 is total seduction. Raspberry, blood orange, chalk, mint and white pepper are all beautifully lifted. This mid-weight, expressive Barbaresco is flat-out delicious. The straight Barbaresco was made from the less well-exposed parcels, which was definitely a benefit in 2022. This is a terrific success.

92 points Antonio Galloni, October 2025

Bruno Rocca has become one of Barbaresco’s most admired family estates, with its modern story beginning when Francesco Rocca purchased vineyards in Rabajà in the 1950s. Bruno took charge in the late 1970s and steadily built the domaine’s reputation around meticulous vineyard work and beautifully detailed Nebbiolo. Today his children Francesco and Luisa are closely involved, continuing a style that combines the perfume of Barbaresco with polish and serious structure.

The estate Barbaresco draws on vineyards around the appellation and provides a superb introduction to the Rocca style without the price of the single vineyard wines. The 2022 season was warm and dry, making careful vineyard work particularly important. Nebbiolo handled the conditions impressively, and here the fruit has generosity while retaining the fragrance, acidity and tannin that give Barbaresco its unmistakable shape.

Bright garnet with red cherry, raspberry and redcurrant rising from the glass alongside violet and dried flowers. Blood orange, anise and liquorice appear with air, followed by black tea, tobacco and a subtle earthy note. The palate has lovely clarity, its ripe red fruit carried by fresh acidity and finely grained tannins. Cherry and orange peel return through the finish with tea leaf, spice and a gentle mineral grip.

Porcini risotto, tajarin with duck ragù or grilled quail with lentils would all settle happily alongside it. For a meat free table, try polenta with roasted mushrooms and Fontina or baked eggplant with tomato, porcini and Parmigiano. A decanter and a large glass will help if opening it young, although patience in the cellar will reveal considerably more.

Cellaring: Drink 2027 to 2042.