2021 Barbera

The Place

In Italy, Barbera wine is primarily associated with the northwest part of the country. Piedmont is the main hub of Barbera grapes in Italy, and the grape is championed in the towns of Alba and Asti. These areas are marked by fairly tall rolling hills, which are good for growing grapes like Barbera which ripen in stages. Early-ripening grapes do better on the lower slopes where they get more shade, while late-ripening grapes grow better in the direct sunlight on top of the hills. This is why Barbera grapes typically inhabit the low slopes and valleys of this hilly region. Outside of Italy, there are small plantings of Barbera in Australia, Greece, Romania, and Slovakia. In the Americas, the grape is fairly well established in California and Argentina.

Winemaking

Fermentation takes place in stainless steel tanks for around 6-7 days with frequent pumping over. Following, the wine is racked into concrete tanks for malolactic fermentation, which is completed in December. Aged partly in new, Allier oak barrels and partly in large Slavonian oak casks. After a few months, it is lightly fined and bottled in late spring.

Tasting Notes

Ruby red colour with purple hints wine. Vinous, fresh and with mature plum scents. Full bodied and long lasting on the palate.