Cascina Valle Asinari Barbera d’Asti DOCG is a full-bodied, elegant Barbera from San Marzano Oliveto in Piedmont, produced under the wing of Borgogno. The wine combines the fresh, fruity character of Barbera with classic aging in large oak barrels. This results in a powerful yet refined Barbera d’Asti with black cherry, blackberries, spiciness, mocha, and a remarkably smooth structure.
Cascina Valle Asinari is located in San Marzano Oliveto, in the province of Asti, an important area for characterful Barbera from Piedmont.
Location / Origin: The grapes come from Valle Asinari near San Marzano Oliveto in Asti. This area is situated in Piedmont, where Barbera is one of the most important red grape varieties.
Soil: The vineyards are planted on sandy limestone soils. Sand provides drainage and a more elegant structure, while limestone contributes to freshness and tension in the wine.
Region: Barbera d’Asti has held DOCG status since 2008, the highest category of Italian quality. This underscores the reputation of this area for serious, terroir-driven Barbera.
Vineyard & Harvest: Cascina Valle Asinari was added to the Borgogno estate in 2016, with the ambition of giving Barbera from San Marzano Oliveto a clear stage. The name Valle Asinari literally means valley of the donkeys and is reflected on the striking label.
The wine is made traditionally, with spontaneous fermentation and aging in large wooden barrels.
Fermentation: Fermentation takes place spontaneously with indigenous yeasts in concrete tanks for 12 days. What are indigenous yeasts? These are natural yeasts already present on the grapes and in the cellar that ensure a more authentic expression of the location.
Malolactic conversion: After racking and pressing, the wine returns to concrete tanks to complete the malolactic conversion. This conversion softens the acidity and gives Barbera a rounder, smoother structure.
Aging / Wood maturation: The wine ages in large French and Slavonian oak barrels of 800 hl. Due to the large size, the wood primarily provides structure, roundness, and subtle spiciness, without influencing the fruit too heavily.
Alcohol content: At 15% alcohol, this Barbera d’Asti has distinct power and body. This fits the full-bodied style of the wine and provides extra support for the dark fruit, spiciness, and aging in large wood.
This wine is made entirely from Barbera, the grape known in Piedmont for its fresh acidity, deep color, and juicy fruit expression.
100% Barbera – Barbera d’Asti DOCG: Barbera gives this wine its ruby-purple color, vibrant fruit core, supple tannins, and fresh, energetic structure.
