# Umberta (2022)

- **Producer:** Iuli
- **Colour:** red
- **Type:** still
- **Grapes:** Barbera
- **Region:** Piemonte, Italy
- **Style:** Natural
- **Alcohol:** 14.5%
- **Average price:** €21
- **Vegan:** Yes
- **Contains sulphites:** Yes
- **When to drink:** Now or Later
- **Serving temperature:** 16–18 °C
- **Aromas & flavours:** red plum, red cherry, violet, raspberry

## About this wine

The Iuli Umberta 2022 is a 100% Barbera red wine from the Monferrato region of Piedmont, Italy, produced by Cantina Iuli. The wine is named 'Umberta' after a friend and is seen as an approachable introduction to the producer's style. Fabrizio Iuli, the winemaker, is deeply passionate about the Barbera grape and the Monferrato territory, emphasizing traditional winemaking methods. The estate is certified organic and has never used chemicals. The wine is unfined and unfiltered, aiming for purity and a joyful expression of the grape.

## Interesting facts

- Named after a friend, 'Umberta' is considered a feminine grape by the producer.
- Fabrizio Iuli considers himself a 'barberista' due to his deep focus on Barbera.
- The estate has never used chemicals, adhering to certified organic practices.
- This wine is unfined and unfiltered, preserving its natural integrity.

## Food pairing

The wine's vibrant acidity cuts through richer dishes and complements fatty proteins, while its lively tannins provide structure. Its fruit-forward nature can bridge with earthy flavors and herbs found in many traditional Italian dishes.

## Wine making process

The Iuli Umberta is produced from 100% Barbera grapes grown on calcareous clay soils at altitudes between 250-350 meters. The vines are approximately 20 years old, with low yields of 1.5 kg per vine. Viticulture is certified organic, with the land farmed by hand and never having seen chemicals. Harvest occurs in early October. Vinification involves fermentation in cement and stainless steel vessels at temperatures below 30°C, using indigenous yeasts. Maceration lasts for three weeks. The wine is aged for 10-11 months in cement, followed by 3 months of bottle aging, with no oak used. The wine is unfined and unfiltered, with minimal SO2 added.