What kind of wine is Barbera d'Alba Superiore DOC 'Croere' 2022 - Vite Colte?

The Barbera d'Alba Superiore DOC 'Croere' 2022 - Vite Colte is a red Piedmontese wine of great character, made from 100% Barbera grapes grown in the gentle hills of the Langhe. The "Superiore" designation indicates a longer aging period and a slightly higher alcohol content, characteristics that give the wine a more significant structure and an enveloping aromatic complexity.

The medium-textured soil and the vineyards' location between 200 and 250 meters above sea level give this wine a balance between freshness and intensity, offering a harmonious sip that perfectly expresses the territory's identity. The result is an elegant Barbera with a modern profile but deeply linked to its origins.

Vintage Details

The 2022 vintage was characterized by balanced climatic conditions, with warm, sunny days alternating with cool nights, ideal for obtaining perfectly ripe grapes with excellent aromatic concentration. The harvest, carried out by hand towards the end of September, allowed only the best bunches to be selected, bringing whole fruit rich in color and aromas to the cellar.

Vinification and aging

After alcoholic fermentation – the natural process in which sugars are converted into alcohol – the wine remains in contact with the skins for a maceration period of about two weeks, during which it extracts color, aromas, and a good tannic structure. This is followed by 15 months of aging in oak barriques, which softens the tannins and enriches the bouquet with spicy and toasted notes. Before release, the wine rests in the bottle for another 6-8 months to achieve full harmony.

Tasting Notes

The Barbera d'Alba Superiore DOC 'Croere' 2022 - Vite Colte is a wine that captivates with its intensity and sensory depth. Here's how it presents itself during tasting.

Color

It appears in the glass with a brilliant ruby red color with violet reflections, a sign of its youth and the freshness of the fruit.

Aroma

On the nose, it opens with intense aromas of ripe red fruits, such as cherry and blackberry, followed by elegant nuances of vanilla, cocoa, and sweet spices due to the wood aging. The bouquet is complex and balanced, combining fruity and spicy notes harmoniously.

Taste

On the palate, it is full-bodied and enveloping, with a solid structure and fine, perfectly integrated tannins. The typical acidity of Barbera provides freshness and balance, while the finish is long and persistent, with echoes of ripe fruit and a pleasant toasted note.

Food Pairings for Barbera d'Alba Superiore DOC 'Croere' 2022 - Vite Colte

Thanks to its versatility, this wine pairs well with numerous dishes of Italian cuisine. It is ideal for those seeking a red wine that accompanies an important lunch or dinner with personality without being overwhelming.

• Traditional Piedmontese dishes like braised meats and stews
• Grilled or roasted red meats
• Aged cheeses and flavorful cured meats
• Pasta with meat ragu or baked lasagna

A particularly successful pairing is with porcini mushroom risotto or a platter of typical cheeses such as Castelmagno or Raschera.

Storage and aging: how to store Barbera d'Alba Superiore DOC 'Croere' 2022 - Vite Colte

To best preserve Barbera d'Alba Superiore DOC 'Croere' 2022 - Vite Colte, it is important to keep the bottle horizontally, in a cool, dark place with constant humidity between 65% and 80%. The ideal storage temperature is around 12-14°C.

This wine has excellent aging potential: it can be enjoyed immediately for its liveliness, but also left in the cellar for 5-7 years, during which it will develop greater aromatic complexity and an even more marked roundness on the palate.