What kind of wine is Barbera D’alba Superiore DOC 2023 - Pira?

Barbera D’alba Superiore DOC 2023 - Pira is born in the heart of the Langhe, a symbolic territory for Piedmontese wine, where the hills of Serralunga d’Alba offer ideal slopes, soils, and microclimate for the Barbera grape variety. Here, the Luigi Pira winery cultivates vines over 15 years old, from which a wine of great intensity and character comes to life. It is a full-bodied and harmonious red, balancing freshness and structure, designed for those seeking an authentic, rich, and versatile wine for the table.

Vintage Details

The 2023 vintage was characterized by stable weather, with a mild spring and a dry but not excessively hot summer. These conditions allowed for slow and complete ripening of the grapes, giving the wine clean aromas and good aromatic concentration. The harvest, strictly manual, allowed only the healthiest bunches to be selected, ensuring quality and balance in the glass.

Vinification and aging

After harvesting, fermentation takes place in stainless steel tanks at controlled temperatures to preserve the fruit's freshness. This is followed by a maceration of approximately 10-12 days on the skins, a phase during which the wine acquires color, body, and aromatic complexity. Aging then continues for about 12 months in oak barrels, which round off the tannins and impart spicy nuances and light toasted notes, without, however, masking the natural vibrancy of the grape variety.

Tasting Notes

The Barbera D’alba Superiore DOC 2023 - Pira stands out for its elegance and strength at the same time, offering a complete and satisfying sensory experience.

Colour

Visually, it presents an intense ruby red with violet reflections, a sign of youth and vitality. The brilliance of the color anticipates a lively and generous wine.

Nose

The aroma is broad and complex: notes of ripe cherry, wild blackberry, and plum stand out, accompanied by hints of sweet spices and light traces of vanilla and licorice, a result of the wood aging.

Taste

On the palate, it reveals a full and enveloping structure, supported by a lively acidity that enhances its freshness. The tannin – the substance naturally present in the skins that gives astringency and body – is soft and well-integrated. The finish is long and pleasant, with a fruity and slightly spicy return that invites another sip.

What dishes to pair with Barbera D’alba Superiore DOC 2023 - Pira

Thanks to its versatility, this wine lends itself to numerous pairings with Italian cuisine. Perfect for accompanying dishes with a strong yet balanced flavor:

• Egg pasta with meat or game ragu
• Roasts and braised beef or veal
• Aged hard cheeses
• Piedmontese cured meats and traditional appetizers

Its natural acidity and good structure make it an excellent companion throughout the meal, also ideal for informal get-togethers with friends or as a gift that speaks of territory and quality.

Storage and aging: how to store Barbera D’alba Superiore DOC 2023 - Pira wine

To fully enjoy its qualities, Barbera D’alba Superiore DOC 2023 - Pira should be stored in a cool, dark place free from temperature fluctuations. The optimal storage temperature is between 12 and 15°C, with the bottle kept horizontally to keep the cork moist.

Thanks to its structure and balance between freshness and softness, this wine can evolve in the bottle for several years: up to 6-8 years from bottling, developing more complex and fascinating notes over time. Open it about an hour before serving and serve it at a temperature of 16-18°C to best appreciate its aromas and consistency.