# Barbera d'Alba DOC (2020)

- **Producer:** Pio Cesare
- **Colour:** red
- **Type:** still
- **Grapes:** Barbera
- **Region:** Piemonte, Italy
- **Style:** Classic
- **Alcohol:** 14.0%
- **Average price:** €27
- **Contains sulphites:** Yes
- **When to drink:** Now or Later
- **Serving temperature:** 16–18 °C
- **Aromas & flavours:** cherry, rose, plum, raspberry, ripe fruit, blackberry, vanilla, cloves, tobacco, earth, liquorice

## About this wine

The Pio Cesare Barbera d'Alba DOC 2020 is a red wine from Piedmont, Italy, made from 100% Barbera grapes. Pio Cesare, a historic family winery founded in 1881, sources grapes from its own vineyards in prestigious areas within the Barolo and Barbaresco regions. This approach allows for a classic expression of the Barbera grape, reflecting the terroir of Alba. The 2020 vintage is noted for its ripeness and fruit weight, balanced by the grape's natural acidity.

## Interesting facts

- Grapes sourced from vineyards typically used for Barolo and Barbaresco.
- Aged in large French oak 'botti' and smaller barriques.
- Pio Cesare has been a family-run winery since 1881.
- Barbera is one of Italy's most planted red grape varieties.

## Food pairing

The wine's vibrant acidity cuts through the richness of fatty meats and sauces, while its medium tannins complement the protein in dishes like lamb and pork. The fruit-forward character of the Barbera also harmonizes with tomato-based sauces and earthy flavors.

## Wine making process

The Pio Cesare Barbera d'Alba DOC 2020 is produced using 100% Barbera grapes. Fermentation occurs in stainless steel tanks, followed by a long maceration period on the skins, typically lasting 20-25 days. The wine then undergoes aging for 12 months, with a portion matured in large French oak 'botti' and another part in barriques. Grapes are carefully monitored for ripeness, and the harvest involves hand-selection of each grape.