Italy's renowned Piedmont wine region produces exquisite Barolo and Nebbiolo, but some of the best wines are found in Barbera. This is the case with this Vite Colte Barbera d'Asti Superiore La Luna e I Falò, rated 91 points by James Suckling and 90 points by The Wine Spectator. Barbera is what Italians drink as their everyday wine, and this gem fits the bill perfectly.
The grapes come from various vineyards. The different soil structures and microclimates create a balanced wine that offers both structural strength and bouquet complexity. After harvest, traditional vinification begins with ten days of skin maceration followed by fermentation at a temperature of 28 to 30 degrees Celsius. The wine then matures for a full twelve months in small oak barrels, a third of which are new. This extended aging gives the wine layered depth and character.
The result is an elegant and seductive wine, easy to drink with class. La Luna e I Falo Barbera d'Asti glows pomegranate red in the glass, and upon pouring, an intense and complex aroma is immediately released. We smell violets, licorice, and vanilla notes in perfect balance. On the palate, it is pleasantly crisp and dry with a subtly veined background of vanilla and wild berries. It finishes with a long, lingering finish. Try this Barbera d'Asti with meat dishes, poultry, or a delicious pasta dish.
