VIGNE VECCHIE Barbera d'Asti Superiore DOCG 2016

"Vigne Vecchie" Barbera d'Asti Superiore DOCG 2016 / Vinchio Vaglio / Piedmont

Red wine from Italy

The wine cooperative Vinchio Vaglio is based in the picturesque village of Vinchio between the famous cities of Asti and Alba in Piedmont in northern Italy. The areas of Vinchio and Vaglio Serra in Piedmont have always been considered the best to produce the Barbera grape. Thus, the centre for the production of Barbera wines developed here.

The Barbera is a characterful and high-quality red grape variety from Piedmont, which is not particularly well known in the rest of Europe. Nevertheless, it is one of the most important, oldest, and most common Italian grape varieties. Sources report on the Barbera as early as the 13th century and refer to the Monferrato growing area, which is still known today.

In the area of activity of the winery there are very old Barbera vineyards, which were planted before the Second World War. They are vineyards with a very narrow floor plan, with very steep slopes and an exceptional exposure. The grapes of the "Vigne Vecchie" are by far the sugariest and retain a high level of quality even in the less favourable years.

These grapes are harvested in 20 kg boxes, with the grapes with the best ripeness index being selected from all the vineyards examined. The grapes of this selection are pressed under the careful control of the winery's winemakers. The maceration takes place in vertical fermenters with leaching and temperature control programming. After about ten days of maceration, the wine is drawn off. After the malolactic fermentation has ended, it is refined in small 225-liter French oak barrels. The residence time is determined from time to time according to the vintage and the characteristics of the wine (the time is directly proportional to the structure of the product itself). Monthly organoleptic controls follow its development and finally the right time for bottling is determined.

The VIGNE VECCHIE (old vines) Barbera d'Asti Superiore DOCG shines with a brilliant ruby red with light orange reflections. On the nose, this Barbera is intense, ethereal, spicy, and slightly woody. Slight chocolate aromas can be seen. On the palate it has a good structure, is dry and light. Its tannins are sweet and subtle. The finish is persistent and long-lasting.

At a recommended drinking temperature of around 18 to 20°C, this fantastic red wine is an ideal accompaniment to spicy pasta dishes with meat or mushroom sauces. In addition, this Barbera goes well with main courses made from red meat (braised or roasted) and game. After all, it also tastes good - at the end of the meal - with blue cheese and other strongly flavoured and/or savoury cheeses.

General properties

• Vintage: 2016
• Ageing: Dry
• Country: Italy
• Region: Piedmont
• Volume: 0.75 litres

Detailed properties

• Producer and bottler: Vinchio Vaglio - Regione San Pancrazio 1 - 14040 Vinchio (AT) - Italia - +39 0141 950903
• Quality Designation: Denominazione di Origine Controllata e Garantita (DOCG)
• Grape variety: 100% Barbera from very old vines.
• Vinification and refinement: Manual harvest of the best-ripened grapes. Maceration after renewed selection for 10 days at a controlled temperature. After malolactic fermentation, aging begins in small 225 liter French oak barrels. The length of time spent in the wood is determined individually by the winemaker depending on the vintage.
• Sensory characteristics: Its bouquet is strong, ethereal, spicy and slightly "boisé" (woody flavour). Very light chocolate flavors. It is a full-bodied wine, soft and long-lasting, with light and sweet tannins.
• Colour: Bright ruby red with light-orange overtones.
• Alcohol content: 15.0 % Vol.
• Residual sugar: 2.0 g/l
• Total acid: 5.7 g/l
• Closure type: Natural cork
• How to serve: With tasty first courses with meat or mushroom sauces. It goes well with red meats and game. It is also suitable with matured, spicy and herb cheeses.
• Recommended serving temperature: Between 18 and 20°C.
• Allergens: Contains sulfites
• EAN (bottle): 8030227005092
• Scope of supply: 1 bottle of wine 0.75 litres

Grape variety

BARBERA

The origin of Barbera has not been clearly established, but it is assumed that the grape variety originated in the Piedmont region in north-west Italy. Early records indicate that the Barbera grape was already being cultivated in this region in the 13th century. Historically, Barbera has not always been the most prestigious grape variety in Italy. In the past, it was often regarded as a simple table wine grape and was overshadowed by other more prestigious grape varieties such as Nebbiolo. However, this changed over time. In recent decades, winegrowers in Piedmont and beyond have begun to recognise the potential of the Barbera grape and modernise their cultivation techniques and winemaking methods. This has led to an increase in the quality of Barbera wines. The leaves of the Barbera red wine grape variety are medium in size and dark green in colour. The grapes of the Barbera grape grow in medium-sized, conical clusters. The berries themselves are rather small and have a characteristic oval shape. The skin of the berries is thin, which contributes to the deep purple colour of the grapes. Barbera grapes have the ability to ripen early, which allows winemakers in Piedmont and other regions to produce fresh and fruity wines. Today, the Barbera grape is used for different styles of wine, from light and fruity to complex and structured. This variety of available styles has contributed to Barbera wines being widely recognised in various wine-loving circles.

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