Ugo Lequio -- Barbaresco 'Gallina'

As with any good story, it needs a main character. Enter: Ugo Lequio. When he founded his boutique winery in 1981, he did so after persuading the owner of the famed Gallina Vineyard to sell him some grapes. 45 years later Ugo still does everything himself, from vineyard management to aging the wines. Traditional viticulture and winemaking are his hallmarks, including his choice to age his wines much longer than is stipulated by law. Extended macerations & aging, and nothing done to alter the naturally produced alcohol. The result is very high quality Barbaresco made by a man who favors quality over quantity.

Grapes: Nebbiolo 100%

Region: Gallina, Barbaresco, Italy

Good to know: 50-70 year old vines from the most prized single-vineyard in Barbaresco, 2-3 week maceration in stainless, aged 20 months in large oak casks, 6 month in bottle