What kind of wine is Barbera d'Alba DOC Superiore 'Suculé' 2022 - Lo Zoccolaio

The Barbera d'Alba DOC Superiore 'Suculé' 2022 - Lo Zoccolaio is a Piedmontese red wine of great personality, born from the company's own vineyards in Barolo and Monforte d'Alba, in the heart of the Langhe. Produced from 100% Barbera grapes, this label best expresses the typical characteristics of the grape: freshness, aromatic intensity, and notes of ripe red fruit balanced by an elegant structure and a enveloping body. It is a rich yet balanced red, ideal for those seeking a wine with character and excellent value for money.

Vintage Details

The 2022 vintage was characterized by warm and sunny weather, with good temperature variations between day and night, which favored the full ripening of the grapes. The harvest, performed manually, allowed for the selection of only the best, healthy, and concentrated bunches, guaranteeing an intense aromatic profile and a harmonious structure for the wine.

Vinification and Aging

Fermentation takes place in stainless steel tanks at controlled temperatures to preserve aromas and freshness. Contact with the skins (the so-called maceration) is prolonged to extract color and body, key elements of this Barbera. Aging continues for about 18 months in oak barriques, where the wine acquires softness and complexity, and for an additional 6 months in bottle before commercial release. The result is a balanced red, with a decisive yet refined character.

Tasting Notes

The Barbera d'Alba DOC Superiore 'Suculé' 2022 - Lo Zoccolaio impresses with its intensity and harmony, offering a complete and satisfying sensory journey.

Color

It presents a beautiful deep ruby red with purple reflections, a sign of youth and concentration, typical of this denomination.

Nose

On the nose, it opens with rich aromas of ripe cherry, plum, and small red fruits, accompanied by delicate hints of sweet spices, vanilla, and a slight toasted note due to aging in wood. The bouquet is broad and persistent, never cloying.

Taste

On the palate, it is juicy, soft, and structured. The tannins, present but velvety, support a full and enveloping sip. The good acidity typical of Barbera provides balance and drinkability, while the finish is long and pleasantly fruity, with a lovely spicy return.

Food Pairings for Barbera d'Alba DOC Superiore 'Suculé' 2022 - Lo Zoccolaio

Versatile and gastronomic, this wine finds its best companion in savory dishes of Piedmontese tradition and beyond. It is perfect for accompanying:

• grilled red meat dishes or braised meats;
• pasta with ragù or porcini mushrooms;
• aged cheeses, such as Castelmagno or Grana Padano;
• rustic autumn dishes based on game or polenta with structured sauces.

Also ideal for a dinner with friends where you want to offer a red with character, but easy to approach.

Storage and Aging: How to store Barbera d'Alba DOC Superiore 'Suculé' 2022 - Lo Zoccolaio wine

To fully enjoy its qualities, the wine should be stored in a dark, cool place with controlled humidity, at a constant temperature between 12°C and 16°C. Bottles should be stored horizontally, so that the cork remains moist and the wine does not come into contact with air.

Thanks to its structure and the good balance between fruit, acidity, and tannin, the Barbera d'Alba DOC Superiore 'Suculé' 2022 - Lo Zoccolaio has excellent aging potential: it can evolve for 6-8 years, developing more complex and softer notes over time. Drinking a bottle today means appreciating its freshness and vivacity; saving one for the future will offer a more mature and profound experience.