The Can't-Miss Nebbiolo Lovefest Ascending On New York City
Courtesy of BBWO
The Consorzio di Tutela Barolo Barbaresco Alba Langhe e Dogliani, is thrilled to host the much-anticipated third edition of the Barolo & Barbaresco World Opening (BBWO), taking over New York City on March 19th and 20th, 2024.
Building upon the success of the previous editions—the inaugural in New York in 2020 and the second in Los Angeles in 2022—BBWO 2024 promises an immersive experience with approximately 200 producers who will showcase the latest releases of the highly acclaimed 2020 Barolo and 2021 Barbaresco vintages.
“I'm thrilled to announce the awaited BBWO 2024 edition in New York for the second time." stated Matteo Ascheri, President of the Consorzio di Tutela Barolo Barbaresco Alba Langhe e Dogliani. "Featuring the remarkable presence of 200 wineries, this event is an incredible opportunity for us to not only showcase our exceptional Barolo and Barbaresco wines but also to highlight the cultural and historical significance of the Langhe region for the most influential wine personalities in the United States—our highest-volume export market.” Hear more from the accomplished winemaker and president of the consorzio in our interview below.
BBWO 2024 kicks off on Tuesday, March 19th with a prestigious invitation-only Welcome Dinner at The Shed, Hudson Yards, offering an exclusive occasion for producers, top-tier media and trade professionals to celebrate Piedmont's rich heritage and its two iconic red wines.
On Wednesday, March 20th the Center 415 on 5th Avenue will host a series of curated experiences, including a walk-around tasting for trade, media and consumers, and dedicated press seminars led by Nebbiolo grapevine expert Dr. Anna Schneider. Both Barolo DOCG and Barbaresco DOCG appellation wines, along with chosen single-vineyard labels, will be featured throughout the day.
Click here to register for the Press & Trade event (credentials required)
Click here to purchase tickets to the consumer event
The renowned Barolo and Barbaresco wines, often called the "king and queen" of the Langhe region where they are made, are produced from 100 percent Nebbiolo grapes. Specifically centered on the native variety, this edition will emphasize its role in shaping the age-worthy and complex wines that have made Piedmont internationally acclaimed in the global wine scene.
Courtesy of BBWO
MK: How has the Barolo Barbaresco World Opening event evolved since the first time it took place in 2020?
MA: We are proud of how many more wineries we've been able to present as we've grown. After two successful editions in the US, with the inaugural event held in New York in 2020 followed by a second installment in Los Angeles in 2022, this year we are bringing almost 200 wineries in person to New York - a strong and clear signal of the collaboration between our denominations, and the success of our efforts in a key market for us. The first two editions were primarily focused on the Additional Geographic Mentions (or MGAs). However, this year, our emphasis shifts to what truly sets our region and wines apart from the rest of Italy: Nebbiolo, the indigenous grape variety from which our exceptional Barolo and Barbaresco wines are meticulously crafted.
MK: With the new vintages of Barolo and Barbaresco being released at the BBWO 2024 event, what can the loyal drinkers and collectors of these famous Piedmontese wines look forward to with the new releases?
MA: The most recent releases, the 2020 Barolo and the 2021 Barbaresco, reflect the climatic patterns of recent years, marked by rising temperatures and sporadic rainfall. These wines exhibit characteristics indicative of this trend: they are approachable upon release, boasting pronounced red fruit aromas, refined tannins, and harmoniously integrated alcohol levels. However, only time will tell how they may develop over the years.
MK: Why is New York City such an important BBW host city for a second time?
MA: New York is a pivotal hub for our wines – not only for access to the US market, but also for worldwide exposure. It is an epicenter for our sales, image, and communication. There's an allure here among industry professionals that we haven't found in other cities. Although, I anticipate, next year we'll move to another US state before returning to New York in the spring of 2027.
MK: How much impact does the United States as a market have on the incredible wines from Barolo/Barbaresco/Alba/Langhe/Dogliani that you represent as President of the Consorzio?
MA: Absolutely crucial. We export more than 18% of both our flagship denominations to the United States, making it the second-largest market after Italy. Even the Langhe DOC appellation (which includes over 20 types including Langhe DOC Nebbiolo), has been booming in terms of production and sales lately. Specifically, we export around 14% of Langhe DOC wines to the USA, reflecting the trend seen with our flagship denominations.
MK: The power of this event is proven by how many producers fly out to attend and showcase their wines, and you yourself are a wine producer. In your perspective, what does a winemaker/wine producer gain from attending BBWO?
MA: We really want to convey the message that our strength lies in coming together under the umbrella of our denominations and our main grape variety, Nebbiolo. Unity and cohesion are essential to clearly communicate who we are and the territory we represent. The Barolo and Barbaresco denominations are mainly produced by small wineries that only by working as a whole can effectively convey the fragmentation and diversity that distinguish us.
The Langhe region, nestled between the Alps and the Apennines mountains in the southern part of Piedmont, holds the prestigious designation of a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Recognized for the cultural history of its vineyard-covered hills, a testament to wine traditions evolving since pre-Roman times, the region's viticulture remains integral to daily economic activities and social life. With distinctive microclimates and unique geological soil types, the Langhe consistently imparts its terroir into the glass, showcasing some of the world's most respected wines, including Barolo and Barbaresco.
Click here to register for the Press & Trade event (credentials required)
