2021 Barbera d'Alba, Superiore, Diego & Damiano Barale, Piedmont, Italy
About this WINE
Diego e Damiano Barale
Situated in the village of Barolo, Barale is one of the great winemaking names of Piedmont, with a winemaking legacy dating back to the 17th century. Brothers Diego and Damiano Barale are the latest and most exciting new branch of this impressive lineage. The brothers took the helm in 2012, following in the footsteps of their late father Carlo, and are committed to producing incredible vintage-specific wines from select parcels across Barolo and Monforte.
The brothers practice organic viticulture to best articulate their terroir, although you won't find certification on the label. Vinification is very traditional, slow and natural, taking place in steel tanks. The crus are co-fermented for Barolo – this historical technique is gaining favour once more, as it builds complexity and balance in the wines from their inception. The wines are then aged in French tonneaux, in the ancient, vaulted cellar of the cantina.
Barbera
Barbera is planted extensively in Piedmont and south-west Lombardy and accounts for over 50% of the wine produced in the region. The majority is sold simply as Barbera del Piemonte, but the best wines are the DOCs, Barbera d'Alba and Barbera d'Asti. It ripens late (after Dolcetto but before Nebbiolo).
The wines are usually ruby red in colour with notably low levels of tannins. They have a pronounced acidity that can be accentuated by overproduction. Barbera wines range from light, tart mouthwashers through to powerful, intensely flavoured wines that require extended cellaring.
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Description
Diego and Damiano Barale’s Barbera d’Alba Superiore comes from the younger vines in their San Giovanni vineyard. These were planted in 2016, on heavier clay soils than their Barolo or Dolcetto counterparts, and were aged in 100% new oak botti. The 2021 vintage was excellent in both quality and quantity, resulting in a lot of freshness that’s perfect for this youthful wine. The nose is very pretty and the palate bursts with spice and fruit, while its tannins have a silky charm and a glossy finish. This is an energetic and open Barbera, which is ready to drink now but can be enjoyed for years to come.
Drink 2023 – 2030
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