What wine is Barbera d’Alba DOC “Battaglione” 2023 - Renato Ratti

Renato Ratti’s Barbera d’Alba DOC “Battaglione” 2023 is a Piedmontese red wine that, with every sip, tells the story of its deep connection to the Langhe hills. Made from 100% Barbera grapes, this wine is characterized by its vibrant, balanced, and pleasant drinkability. Barbera is an indigenous Piedmontese grape variety, known for its distinct natural acidity and great versatility at the table. Renato Ratti, a leading figure in the La Morra region, offers an interpretation that combines tradition and modernity, presenting a wine with an intense and harmonious character, capable of blending freshness and structure.

Vintage Details

The 2023 vintage delivered a balanced climate in the Langhe, with a perfect alternation of sunny days and cool nights. These conditions allowed the grapes to ripen uniformly, maintaining acidity and aromatic integrity. The result is a Barbera with clear and generous fruit, clean aromas, and excellent concentration.

Winemaking and Aging

The grapes undergo fermentation at a controlled temperature, between 28 and 30 °C, in stainless steel tanks, to best preserve the varietal aromas and achieve good color extraction. This is followed by maceration on the skins, necessary to give the wine structure and depth. After fermentation, Barbera d’Alba “Battaglione” matures for several months in small French oak barrels, where it refines and gains greater balance and roundness, before being bottled.

Tasting Notes

Color

Visually, Barbera d’Alba DOC “Battaglione” 2023 presents an intense ruby red color with violet reflections, a sign of its youth and vitality.

Nose

The aroma is broad and inviting, characterized by notes of ripe cherry, raspberry, and plum, accompanied by subtle spicy nuances and a hint of vanilla from the wood aging. A clean and direct bouquet, typical of Renato Ratti’s balanced style.

Palate

On the palate, this Barbera is full and dynamic, with a vibrant acidity that gives freshness and invites another sip. The tannins, soft and well-integrated, support a solid structure without ever being heavy. The lingering finish is pleasantly fruity, with an aftertaste that recalls red fruit notes and a light spice.

Food Pairings for Barbera d’Alba DOC “Battaglione” 2023 - Renato Ratti

Versatile and gastronomic, Barbera “Battaglione” pairs perfectly with a wide variety of dishes. Its freshness makes it ideal for accompanying both traditional Piedmontese cuisine and everyday meals. Here are some pairing ideas:

• Cured meats and semi-aged cheese appetizers
• Pasta with ragù or baked lasagna
• Roasted or grilled white meats
• Red meat main courses, such as light braised dishes or tagliata
• Mushroom-based dishes or savory risottos

A wine that effortlessly accompanies convivial moments, becoming the protagonist without ever overpowering the flavors of the food.

Storage and Aging: How to store Barbera d’Alba DOC “Battaglione” 2023 - Renato Ratti wine

To best appreciate it, it is advisable to store the bottle in a cool, dark place, with a constant temperature of around 12-16 °C and controlled humidity. Barbera d’Alba DOC “Battaglione” 2023 is already pleasant to drink young, but a brief aging in the bottle, for 2-3 years, can further enhance its aromatic complexity and gustatory harmony. Serve it at about 16-18 °C to fully capture its freshness and aromas, perhaps after a few minutes of oxygenation in the glass.