# I Bricchi Barbera d'Asti DOCG (2023)

- **Producer:** Antica Casa Vinicola Scarpa
- **Colour:** red
- **Type:** still
- **Grapes:** Barbera
- **Region:** Piemonte, Italy
- **Style:** Classic
- **Alcohol:** 14.0%
- **Average price:** €20
- **Contains sulphites:** Yes
- **When to drink:** Now or Later
- **Serving temperature:** 16–18 °C
- **Aromas & flavours:** cherry, plum, blackberry, redcurrant, violet, black pepper, vanilla, cloves, cedar, leather, forest floor

## About this wine

Antica Casa Vinicola Scarpa, founded in the late 19th century, is a historic estate located in Nizza Monferrato, Piedmont. Renowned for its traditional winemaking philosophy and commitment to long aging, Scarpa produces wines of exceptional elegance and longevity. 'I Bricchi' represents a classic expression of Barbera d'Asti, sourced from estate vineyards where the unique soils and microclimate of Monferrato allow the Barbera grape to express its vibrant character and terroir-driven complexity.

## Interesting facts

- Scarpa was founded in 1854, making it one of the oldest and most respected historic wineries in the Asti region of Piedmont.
- The winery is famous for its massive library of older vintages, proving that Barbera can age beautifully for decades.
- The name 'I Bricchi' refers to the crests or ridges of the hills in the local Piedmontese dialect, where the best vineyards are situated.

## Food pairing

Barbera's naturally high acidity and moderate tannins make it an incredibly versatile food wine. It cuts beautifully through rich, fatty meats and buttery sauces, while its bright red fruit profile complements dishes featuring mushrooms, tomatoes, or game. Avoid overly delicate seafood which will be overwhelmed, or highly spicy dishes that can clash with the wine's acidity.

## Wine making process

The winemaking process for 'I Bricchi' focuses on preserving the vibrant fruit character of the Barbera grape while adding complexity through traditional aging. Fermentation takes place in temperature-controlled stainless steel tanks with skin contact to extract color and soft tannins. Following fermentation, the wine is aged in large French oak casks (botti) for several months, followed by additional refinement in the bottle before release, ensuring a harmonious balance between fresh acidity and structured depth.