# Piemonte Barbera Passito Appassimento (2022)

- **Producer:** San Silvestro
- **Colour:** red
- **Type:** still
- **Grapes:** Barbera
- **Region:** Piemonte, Italy
- **Style:** Classic
- **Alcohol:** 14.0%
- **Average price:** €15
- **Vegan:** Yes
- **Contains sulphites:** No
- **When to drink:** Now or Later
- **Serving temperature:** 15–17 °C
- **Aromas & flavours:** black plum, red cherry, dried fruit, black cherry, chocolate, vanilla, cloves, leather, tobacco, earth

## About this wine

The San Silvestro Piemonte Barbera 2022 is a red wine from the Piedmont region of Italy, made from 100% Barbera grapes. It distinguishes itself through the application of the 'appassimento' method, a process of drying grapes to intensify their sugars, aromas, and color. This technique, typically found in other Italian wine styles, is applied here to Barbera, offering a concentrated and rich expression of the varietal. The grapes are sourced from vineyards situated on the northern banks of the Tanaro River, benefiting from sandy, dry soils and a cooler climate conducive to this method. Cantine San Silvestro, the producer, is a family winery with a long history dating back to 1871, now managed by the fourth generation of the Sartirano family. They are committed to a philosophy that balances tradition with innovation, emphasizing authenticity and quality. The 2022 vintage was marked by dry conditions and warm temperatures, leading to healthy vines and concentrated fruit.

## Interesting facts

- Appassimento, the grape-drying technique, is usually reserved for wines like Amarone.
- The wine's name, 'Appassimento', directly references this unique drying process.
- The winery holds the Equalitas certification for sustainable vineyard practices.
- This Barbera is vegan-friendly.

## Food pairing

The wine's medium+ body and supple tannins are well-suited to complement the protein and fat in richer dishes. Its inherent freshness and firm acidic structure help to cut through richness, cleansing the palate. The concentrated fruit notes can echo or contrast with savory elements in the food.

## Wine making process

The San Silvestro Piemonte Barbera 2022 begins with grapes that undergo an 'appassimento' process, where they are air-dried to concentrate sugars, aromas, and color. Following this, the grapes are sorted, gently crushed, and destemmed. Fermentation occurs in stainless steel tanks at controlled temperatures (28-30°C) with a maceration period of two weeks on the skins, featuring daily pump-overs. Following fermentation, 30% of the wine is aged for six months in second-use French oak tonneaux. The residual sugar is measured at 6.7 g/l.