1978 Barbaresco Gallina
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Tasting notes
Eddie asks why the 1978 Barbaresco Gallina has been dropped from the line-up. It hasn't, but for some reason I forgot to open the bottle along with the other wines. Not a problem, the bottle is quickly opened and it is magnificent from the start. This wonderfully spiced, fragrant, mid-weight Barbaresco impresses for its purity and finesse. What a fabulous bottle.
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Average Score
Robert Parker
Antonio Galloni, Vinous
More reviews and scores
We then moved into what was easily the most anticipated flight of the night, a staggering collection of wines from Bruno Giacosa in what is arguably his finest vintage, considering the number of monumental wines he made that year. Giacosa’s 1978 Barbaresco Gallina was pleasantly evolved but beautiful, especially for its smooth texture and an inner perfume of spices, tobacco and dark fruit that carried through to the long, polished finish. Somewhat ethereal in style, it was the perfect introductory wine.
Last Tasted 5/92 Of all Giacosa's wines from the 1978 vintage, the Barbaresco-Gallina is the most developed. The color reveals some amber at the edge, but the nose offers intense aromas of mushrooms, cedar, leather, tobacco, and sweet, jammy red and black fruits. Full-bodied, velvety, and expansive, with a long finish, this fully mature wine has been delicious for at least 4-5 years. It gives no signs of losing any intensity and should keep easily for another 10-12 years.
About the producer
Bruno Giacosa – now run by daughter Bruna – is a cult Nebbiolo producer, that has consistently made some of the best single-vineyard Barbaresco and Barolo from the 1960s onwards. The“red-label” Riservas are some of the finest and most collectable wines in Italy.