Barbera d'Alba 2024

The Barbera d'Alba from the Alessandria estate comes from the vineyard-covered hills surrounding the town of Alba, in the heart of Piedmont, in northwestern Italy. The vines are rooted in soils of calcareous marl and clay, typical of the Langhe region, which promote a lovely freshness and intense fruit expression. Situated at moderate altitudes, the hillsides benefit from a continental climate tempered by Alpine influences, with significant temperature variations between day and night. This combination of terroir and climate gives the wine its precise and vibrant character.

Barbera grapes are harvested at full maturity, then destemmed and crushed before alcoholic fermentation in tanks with maceration on the skins to extract color and structure. Malolactic fermentation is carried out after racking to soften the grape's natural acidity. The wine is then aged in tanks and/or large neutral containers to preserve the fruit and freshness typical of Barbera d'Alba, before bottling after a resting period to allow the wine to harmonize.

This wine reveals notes of black cherry , ripe plum , and red berries , complemented by floral touches of violet and rose , as well as delicate spicy nuances of pepper and licorice . Slightly oaked and toasty accents may appear depending on the aging process, adding complexity and depth. On the palate, the wine is juicy, driven by a lively acidity typical of the grape variety, supple tannins , and a long, fresh, and flavorful finish.

Ah, Italy, what a beautiful, hedonistic country, the land of la dolce vita, but how difficult it is to understand its wine industry! The key to understanding the appellation system in Italy is to think of it as several small countries rather than a single homogeneous nation, as each region has its own appellation system. Italy can offer wine lovers a multitude of wines with varied and unique flavors and styles, bottles brimming with surprise and creativity. Unfortunately, it also produces a large quantity of soulless, characterless wines sold under their most commercially useful and prestigious name: Pinot Grigio, Chianti, Valpolicella, Lambrusco, Prosecco, and many others... But let's talk a little history. Viticulture in Italy dates back to antiquity and originated in Greece. The Etruscans are said to have introduced the vine, and Greek immigrants improved and modified the grape varieties, subsequently calling the country "Oenotria": the land of wine. At the height of the Roman Empire, wine held an important place in daily life, and certain regions already distinguished themselves by the excellence of their product. The Romans also established numerous vineyards in Europe, leaving an indelible mark of their conquest. Today, Italy is the world's largest wine producer, ahead of France. Italy is divided into three climatic zones. The northern mountains have a rather harsh mountain climate. The plains of the "central boot" are characterized by a continental climate with cold winters and hot, stormy summers. In the southern part of the Italian boot, the Mediterranean climate prevails, with very hot and dry summers, not forgetting the islands of Sicily and Sardinia. In short, Italy produces a wide variety of wines thanks to its 200 different grape varieties, many of which originated in its own lands. It is a country as complex as its wines, which deserve to be explored!