***3 Liter bottle comes in wood box***
Our tasting impressions
An excellent Barbera that manages to be serious and yet immensely pleasurable. Tannic for this variety but not oppressively so. Saturated dark fruit flavors with a twist of citrus that adds considerable interest. Probably better down the road but splendid as is. I kept finding interesting new nuances in this wine.
About this wine
The northeast facing vineyard was planted to Barbera in 1949.
The DOCG designation Superiore means the Barbera must age at least a year including at least 4 months in oak barrel.
About the grape
Barbera is a dark-skinned grape from vigorously growing, easy to manage vines, so at least in Piedmont, most of the plantings are on the slopes, exposures and altitudes which are not best for Nebbiolo.
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.
About the vintage
Hot and dry were the prevailing climate conditions during the 2017 growing season in Piedmont. Most harvested in August - about two weeks earlier than is typical. So, while production levels were reduced, as is often the case, skilled producers are able to craft wines of great concentration. Overall, supple, more accessible wines were produced. Acidity was a concern but well-made wines have ample freshness.
Suggested glassware: Grassl Liberté