Moccagatta, Barbaresco 'Bric Balin', 2021

Moccagatta’s Bric Balin has always stood out as one of the more polished, contemporary expressions of Barbaresco—but beneath the gloss, it’s rooted in serious terroir. From a single southwest-facing vineyard just outside the town of Barbaresco, the 2021 vintage shows both the power of the site and the precision of the estate’s hands-on winemaking.

This is Nebbiolo that leans into richness: dark cherry, blackberry, licorice, and sweet spice, all wrapped in fine, ripe tannins and framed by a touch of new oak. But there’s balance too—lively acidity, lifted floral notes, and a graphite-like edge that keeps things focused. It’s more structured than some past vintages, built for aging, but already showing impressive clarity and detail.

For fans of Barolo looking to explore Barbaresco’s depth—or those who want a more modern take without sacrificing nuance—Bric Balin is a standout. Best with rich meats, truffle dishes, or tucked in the cellar for a few years of quiet transformation.