2023 Barbera d'Asti, Fletcher, Piedmont, Italy

Fletcher Wines

An Australian winemaker living in Piedmont? Dave Fletcher has been entranced by Nebbiolo since he first tasted Barolo in Australia in 2004. He landed a stage at Ceretto in 2007, joining as their winemaker in 2012. He guided them towards a less oak-dependent style, in favour of finesse and subtlety. He started to make wines under his own label in Barbaresco from the ’09 vintage. In 2014, he and his wife Eleanor bought the old Barbaresco stationmaster’s house in an auction, consequently laying roots in the region.

Situated at the foot of the Martinenga vineyard, close to the great Asili site, the rather dilapidated building came with barrel-vaulted brick cellars under the house. Its restoration continues but its facilities have proved ideal for Dave and the scale of his operation.

Barbera d'Asti

Barbera is a red wine grape variety native to the Piedmont region of Italy, particularly prominent in the provinces of Asti and Alessandria. It is one of Italy's most widely planted grape varieties, prized for its high yields, adaptability to various soil types, and ability to retain acidity even in warm climates. The Barbera grape typically produces wines with bright acidity, moderate tannins, and deep color, making it a versatile choice for winemakers.

In terms of flavour profile, Barbera wines often showcase a spectrum of red and black fruit flavors, such as cherry, raspberry, plum, and blackberry, along with hints of spice, licorice, and sometimes floral notes. The acidity in Barbera wines provides freshness and structure, balancing the fruitiness and contributing to their food-friendly nature.

Barbera is known for its approachability and versatility, as it can be crafted into a range of styles, from light and fruity wines for immediate enjoyment to more complex and age-worthy expressions. While Barbera wines are commonly enjoyed young for their vibrant fruitiness, some producers also age them in oak barrels to impart additional layers of complexity and texture.

Overall, Barbera is cherished by wine enthusiasts for its reliable quality, food-pairing versatility, and the wide array of expressions it offers, ranging from easy-drinking everyday wines to more profound and cellar-worthy bottlings.

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.