# Asinoi Barbera d'Asti (2023)

- **Producer:** Carussin
- **Colour:** red
- **Type:** still
- **Grapes:** Barbera
- **Region:** Piemonte, Italy
- **Style:** Natural
- **Alcohol:** 13.0%
- **Average price:** €13
- **Vegan:** Yes
- **Contains sulphites:** Yes
- **When to drink:** Now
- **Serving temperature:** 14–16 °C
- **Aromas & flavours:** cherry, plum, raspberry, strawberry, violet, black pepper

## About this wine

Carussin was founded in 1927 in San Marzano Oliveto, a small municipality in the province of Asti, Piedmont. Today, the estate is run by Bruna Ferro and her family, who have been pioneers in biodynamic farming since the 1980s. The name 'Asinoi' is a playful tribute to the family's beloved donkeys ('asini' in Italian), which play an integral role in the estate's biodiversity and educational farm. This wine represents the estate's philosophy of creating approachable, joyful, and authentic expressions of the Barbera grape, deeply rooted in Piedmontese tradition.

## Interesting facts

- The name 'Asinoi' is a play on words meaning 'We, the donkeys,' celebrating the family's rescue donkeys that live on the estate.
- Carussin has been certified biodynamic by Demeter since 1984, making them early pioneers of the movement in Piedmont.
- The estate operates an educational farm where local children can interact with the donkeys and learn about biodiversity.

## Food pairing

Barbera's naturally high acidity and low tannins make it incredibly food-friendly. It cuts beautifully through rich, fatty meats and cheese, while matching the acidity of tomato-based dishes. The lack of heavy oak ensures it doesn't overpower lighter pasta dishes or charcuterie.

## Wine making process

The Barbera grapes for Asinoi are hand-harvested from certified biodynamic vineyards. Fermentation occurs spontaneously using indigenous yeasts in temperature-controlled stainless steel tanks to preserve the bright, primary fruit characteristics of the grape. The wine undergoes malolactic fermentation and is aged entirely in stainless steel and concrete tanks for a few months before bottling. It is bottled unfined and unfiltered with minimal sulfur additions to maintain its vibrant, natural character.