# Barbera d'Alba Superiore (2023)

- **Producer:** Scarzello Giorgio E Figli
- **Colour:** red
- **Type:** still
- **Grapes:** 100% Barbera
- **Region:** Piemonte, Italy
- **Style:** Classic
- **Alcohol:** 14.5%
- **Average price:** €24
- **Contains sulphites:** Yes
- **When to drink:** Now or Later
- **Serving temperature:** 16–18 °C
- **Aromas & flavours:** red cherry, black cherry, dark plum, ripe fruit, vanilla, leather, earth

## About this wine

The Scarzello Giorgio E Figli Barbera d'Alba Superiore 2023 is a distinctive red wine from the Piedmont region of Italy. Uniquely, its Barbera grapes are sourced from the prestigious Sarmassa and Pajagallo vineyards within the Barolo commune, an area typically associated with Nebbiolo. The Scarzello family, now in its third generation of winemaking, follows a philosophy of profound respect for the land, employing organic farming practices. Their winemaking approach emphasizes tradition, utilizing extended maceration and aging in large Slavonian oak barrels to preserve the authentic expression of the Barbera grape and its terroir. The 2023 vintage was characterized by healthy grape development due to favorable weather conditions, resulting in a wine with vibrant energy and structure.

## Interesting facts

- Grown in the heart of Barolo, a region famed for Nebbiolo.
- Crafted by a third-generation family deeply committed to organic farming.
- Aged in large, traditional Slavonian oak casks, not small French barriques.
- Represents Barbera's potential for elegance and longevity.

## Food pairing

The wine's vibrant acidity cuts through the richness of dishes like duck or lamb, while its medium+ tannins provide a satisfying counterpoint to proteins. The dark fruit notes in the wine complement earthy flavors found in mushrooms and pumpkin, and its structure can stand up to hearty pasta sauces and aged cheeses.

## Wine making process

The Scarzello Giorgio E Figli Barbera d'Alba Superiore is produced using traditional methods. Grapes are fermented in temperature-controlled stainless steel tanks with a 20-day maceration period on the skins. The wine then matures for 18 months in large Slavonian oak barrels (25 hl), followed by 12 months of bottle aging before release. Manual harvesting typically occurs in the first week of October. The estate adheres to organic farming principles, reflecting a deep respect for the land and a commitment to producing wines that authentically express their terroir.