# La Barbatella Barbera d’Asti (2022)

- **Producer:** Cascina La Barbatella
- **Colour:** red
- **Type:** still
- **Grapes:** Barbera
- **Region:** Piemonte, Italy
- **Style:** Classic
- **Alcohol:** 15.0%
- **Average price:** €16
- **Contains sulphites:** No
- **When to drink:** Now or Later
- **Serving temperature:** 18–18 °C
- **Aromas & flavours:** red cherry, black cherry, red plum, black plum, violet, cream, butter, leather, dried fruit, earth

## About this wine

La Barbatella Barbera d’Asti is a red wine from the Piedmont region of Italy, specifically the Nizza Monferrato area. Produced by Cascina La Barbatella, it is made from 100% Barbera grapes grown on vines planted in 1950. The estate, now owned by Lorenzo and Cinzia Perego, is committed to organic farming and a philosophy that blends tradition with innovation. This wine is noted for being a pure and elegant representation of the Barbera grape and its terroir.

## Interesting facts

- Vineyards planted in 1950 yield grapes for this wine.
- The estate practices organic farming.
- The producer has earned '3 bicchieri' 18 times.
- This wine is considered the inspiration for the producers' love of Barbera.

## Food pairing

The wine's vibrant acidity cuts through richer dishes, cleansing the palate, while its smooth tannins complement the protein in meats. Its fruity character can echo or contrast with herbs and spices in accompanying dishes, making it a versatile meal companion.

## Wine making process

The winemaking process for La Barbatella Barbera d’Asti begins with manual harvesting of select bunches in late September. Grapes are destemmed and crushed, then undergo maceration with skin contact in stainless steel tanks. Fermentation is temperature-controlled (24-28°C) for 6-20 days with frequent pumping over and punching down. Malo-lactic fermentation occurs in steel. The wine then ages for 8-12 months in stainless steel tanks, followed by 6 months of bottle aging before release.