# Barbera d'Alba (NV)

- **Producer:** Azienda Agricola Brezza
- **Colour:** red
- **Type:** still
- **Grapes:** Barbera
- **Region:** Piemonte, Italy
- **Style:** Classic
- **Alcohol:** 14.5%
- **Average price:** €25
- **Vegan:** Yes
- **Contains sulphites:** Yes
- **When to drink:** Now or Later
- **Serving temperature:** 16–18 °C
- **Aromas & flavours:** cherry, blackberry, raspberry, violet, plum, vanilla, cloves, leather, tobacco, dried fig

## About this wine

Azienda Agricola Brezza Giacomo e Figli is a historic family estate located directly adjacent to the village of Barolo in Piedmont. Established in 1885, the estate is currently managed by fourth-generation family members Enzo Brezza and his cousin Giacomo. The estate adheres to certified organic farming practices across its vineyard holdings in the Langhe hills, working with local soils such as Sant'Agata Fossil Marl and Diano Sandstone.

## Interesting facts

- Brezza has been continuously family-operated since its founding in 1885.
- The estate farms historic vineyard plots with vines dating back to 1942.
- Brezza uses glass Vino-Lok closures for its unoaked Barbera expressions.

## Food pairing

Barbera's naturally high acidity cuts effortlessly through rich, fatty meats and buttery pasta dishes, while its soft, supple tannins prevent any bitter clash with seasoned cured meats and savory aged cheeses.

## Wine making process

Harvested grapes undergo immediate destemming and crushing, followed by fermentation in temperature-controlled stainless steel tanks for 8 to 10 days and a skin maceration period of 4 to 6 days. Malolactic fermentation is conducted at 18 degrees Celsius. Depending on the bottling, aging takes place either in neutral Slavonian oak casks for 12 months followed by bottle maturation, or entirely in stainless steel to retain primary grape character.