BARBERA D'ALBA San Giovanni

Denominazione d'origine controllata

VINEYARD

Grape-variety: Barbera

Location: San Giovanni vineyard in the village of Monforte d'Alba

Position: facing south-west, Guyot pruning (6-8 buds) Vines/hectare: 4500

Yield in grapes: 8 t/ha

Year of planting: 1973.

WINE-MAKING

Soft pressing, maceration in stainless steel tanks at a maximum temperature of 28°C for 8-10 days, with pumping of the must over the cap to aid extraction. Several rackings, and maturing for 6 months in barrels of French oak and large oak casks. Bottling in July/August of the year following the vintage, and storage for several months in the bottle prior to release. Alc. by vol.: 12.5-13% Total acidity: 6-7 g/l Dry extract: 23-26 g/l

TASTING PROPERTIES - CELLAR LIFE - PAIRINGS

Bright ruby-red; intense nose on which delicate vanilla and chocolate are just perceptible; dry, warm taste, with balanced acidity contrasted with good structure. Will keep for 3-4 years stored lying down in cool surroundings. At its best served with game, red and boiled meat, and strong cheeses, at a temperature of 18-20°C.