Barolo & Barbaresco Wine Tasting

Baruccio is hosting a Barolo and Barbaresco tasting on Thursday 19 November, starting at 19:30. The evening is led by Gabriele, who runs Ultravino, a specialist importer of Piedmont wines. The focus is on the two heavyweights of the region, Barolo and Barbaresco, both made from the Nebbiolo grape in the Langhe hills of Northwest Italy.

If you're not familiar with the two, they're the big names of the area. Barolo is the more famous of the pair, known for its power and longevity, while Barbaresco is often seen as its slightly more elegant, approachable sibling. Having them side by side is a good way to see how the same grape can change depending on where it's grown and how it's made. Gabriele will be talking through the wines as you go, so it's as much about the stories behind the bottles as it is about the tasting itself.

Baruccio is an independent Italian café and wine bar on Holywell Hill, and it's a good fit for a night like this. By day it does speciality coffee, pastries, focaccia and small plates; by night it stocks wines from independent Italian producers and runs guided tastings and the occasional food pop-up. It's a small, independent spot rather than a big commercial bar, which suits a guided tasting better than a loud room.

Places are limited, so booking in advance is advised. The tasting starts at 19:30 at Baruccio, 12 Holywell Hill, St Albans, AL1 1BZ.