# Barbera d'Alba "Le Colline" (2019)

- **Producer:** Le Colline S.r.l.
- **Colour:** red
- **Type:** still
- **Grapes:** Barbera
- **Region:** Piemonte, Italy
- **Style:** Classic
- **Alcohol:** 13.0%
- **Average price:** €13
- **Contains sulphites:** Yes
- **When to drink:** Now or Later
- **Serving temperature:** 16–18 °C
- **Aromas & flavours:** cherry, strawberry, orange, herbaceous, toast, tobacco, dried cranberry, forest floor, hazelnut

## About this wine

Le Colline, meaning 'The Hills' in Italian, is a dedicated brand of the historic Dezzani estate, which was founded in 1934 in the hilltop village of Cocconato. Situated at 491 meters above sea level, Cocconato is known as the 'Riviera of Monferrato' due to its remarkably mild microclimate. The brand operates on a cooperative philosophy, sourcing high-quality grapes through close collaborations with a select union of local Piedmontese farming families. This approach allows the winery to capture the diverse terroir of the rolling Langhe and Monferrato hills, crafting wines that honor traditional Piedmontese viticulture under the guidance of third-generation enologist Luigi Dezzani and the Rocca family.

## Interesting facts

- Le Colline is a brand of Dezzani, a historic winery established in 1934 in Cocconato, Asti.
- The 2019 vintage underwent an extensive seven-year maturation process in the cellars before release.
- The wine is crafted using a cooperative model, sourcing grapes from a select union of local farming families.

## Food pairing

Barbera's naturally high acidity and moderate tannins make it an exceptionally food-friendly wine. The bright acidity cuts beautifully through rich, fatty dishes like Pasta Carbonara or roast pork, while the savory, earthy undertones of the aged wine complement mushrooms and truffles perfectly.

## Wine making process

The 2019 vintage of this Barbera d'Alba underwent a patient and extensive maturation process, spending a total of seven years aging in the winery's cellars across tank, oak, and bottle before its commercial release. This prolonged aging cycle is designed to naturally soften Barbera's characteristically high acidity and integrate its structure. The grapes are sourced from limestone and clay-marl soils in the hills surrounding Alba, which contribute minerality and depth. Fermentation is carried out using traditional low-intervention methods with selected native yeasts, followed by minimal fining and filtration to preserve the wine's rustic character and varietal purity.