Barbera d'Alba D.O.C. "Selection" 2012

Commune of origin: Castiglione Falletto. Grape variety: Barbera. Annual production: 2,500 bottles. Vineyard area: 1,500 metres. Altitude:
340 metres. Soil profile: Chalky-clay. Training method and vine density: Vertical Guyot, at 4,500 vines per hectare. Average age of producing vineyards: planted in 1974. Yield per hectare: 70 quintals.

Fermentation and maturation: Fermentation at 28-29oC and maceration, with open pumpovers and two automatic pumpovers per day, for an overall period of 8-10 days. Open-air drawing-off of the wine, followed by a week’s settling, racking, and malolactic. 6 months’ maturation in 50-hl oak botti, then 6-8 months in glass before release. Sensory description: A brilliant purple-edged ruby of marked depth and intensity. A crisp, emphatically varietal nose releases lively, ultra-dense aromas, exhibiting a fine balance of succulent fruit impressions, generous floral notes, and a thread of crisp minerality. Nuances of black pepper, spice, and leather complete an amalgam of remarkable complexity and liveliness. The palate reveals a fleshy pulpiness, a dense, earth-edged mouthfeel, and layers of delicious fruit enlivened by a judicious acidity that creates a sinewy crispness. The wine expands impressively in the mouth into an energy-laden finale, well delineated and long lingering.

Serving suggestions: Antipasti, mixed boiled meats, grills and barbecues.