Our tasting impressions
This is an elite Barbera that is distinctly different from those made in the Langhe. No doubt, it will offer more intrigue as the fruit matures more - and there’s ample acidity to make the trip. But it offers so much pleasure right now. It has incredible balance, precision and energy. Barbera suggests bigness without tannins and overbearing structure. Cellar-worthy as well.
About this wine
Monleale is one of the most respected vineyards for Barbera in Tortona.The hand-harvested grapes are from vines planted 40 years ago in the Guyot system at 300-350 meters in clay soil
Maceration for 15 days then 6 months in stainless steel tanks. The wine is to French oak barrels where it ages for 18 months.
About the grape
Barbera is a dark-skinned grape from vigorously growing, easy to manage vines. Barbera wines are high in acidity, low in tannins and light-bodied - although they can give the impression that they are big and hearty because of their purplish-black hue and relative roundness.
Barbera has been experiencing a Renaissance over the last couple of decades due to greater attention from talented winemakers who have discovered how to better craft the wines.
Luca's vintage perspective
2016, 2017 & 2018 each, in Luca's opinion, had optimal weather conditions. The only real difference among them is that '17 was very hot and dry, resulting in a harvest that was considerably earlier than the other two. He views the grapes from all three years to have been of exceptionally high quality.
Gianni Respighi, a gracious B&B and wine bar host in Tortona introduced me to young Luca Canevaro. Luca has assumed the daunting responsibility of leading the wine tenuta started by his great-grandfather about a century ago. Just as significantly, he decided to join in the crusade to resurrect and celebrate Timorasso (or Derthona, as it is traditionally known), one of Italy's truly great varieties.
Luca transformed the family business in 2016, supported by his brother Stefano (who has recently finished his oenology training) and guided by his father, Sandro. They farm 10 hectares of vineyards that are now certified organic. Production is expanding, but remains small at about 30,000 bottles per year.
Vineyards thrive at higher elevations (more direct sun, greater day/night temperature variance and enhanced drainage) and Canevaro has some of the highest vineyards in the DOC of Colli Tortonesi - up to 300-350 meters. This asset combined with respect for the land and tradition, passion and dedication has this small estate on a path to prominence. VDLT is pleased and proud to introduce this wonderful family's wines to the US.
