A guide to saying it correctly

How to Pronounce Barbaresco

Learn how to pronounce the Italian red wine Barbaresco correctly with this simple guide.

barbaresco

bar-buh-RES-koh

/ˌbɑːrbəˈrɛskoʊ/  ·  bar · ba · res · co

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Native US English  ·  Kokoro neural TTS  ·  0:01

It refers to a specific, highly regarded Nebbiolo-based wine from the Piedmont region. Use it when asking a sommelier for a recommendation or discussing high-quality Italian vintages.

Where the word comes from

The name refers to the town of Barbaresco in Piedmont, Italy, likely derived from the Latin barbarus, meaning foreign or barbarian.

Common ways people get it wrong

  • bar-buh-RESS-kuh English speakers often turn the final 'o' into a schwa; keep the 'o' crisp and rounded like the letter itself.
  • BAR-buh-res-ko Avoid putting the stress on the first syllable; the primary stress belongs on the third syllable, 'RES'.

Frequently asked

Is Barbaresco pronounced like Bar-buh-res-ko?

Yes, that is the standard way to say it in English. Ensure the emphasis remains on the third syllable for the most natural sound.

Does the 'c' in Barbaresco sound like an 's'?

No, the 'c' is hard, sounding like a 'k'. It is never pronounced as an 's' sound in this word.

Is Barbaresco the same as Barolo?

They are both Italian wines made from the Nebbiolo grape, but they come from different neighboring towns. They are distinct wines, though both are famous for their complexity.