What kind of wine is Barbera d'Asti Superiore DOCG 'Cà di Pian' 2023 - La Spinetta

Barbera d'Asti Superiore DOCG 'Cà di Pian' 2023 - La Spinetta is a Piedmontese red wine with an authentic character and an elegant profile, a perfect expression of the Barbera grape cultivated among the hills of Castagnole delle Lanze, Costigliole d’Asti, and Montegrosso d’Asti. It originates from calcareous vineyards that impart freshness and finesse to the palate, while maintaining a generous aromatic complexity.

In the glass, this wine reveals all the typical personality of Barbera d'Asti Superiore: full body, vibrant acidity, and silky tannins. It is a modern Barbera in concept, yet respectful of tradition, capable of captivating both those new to the world of wine and more curious and demanding palates.

Vintage details

The 2023 vintage in Piedmont was characterized by a balanced climate, with an ideal alternation between warm days and cool nights. This allowed for slow and regular grape maturation, concentrating intense aromas and preserving precious natural acidity. The result is a harmonious, expressive, and strongly territorial wine.

Winemaking and aging

The winemaking of Barbera d'Asti Superiore 'Cà di Pian' 2023 takes place in steel tanks at controlled temperatures, to enhance the primary aromas of the grape variety and maintain its freshness. The maceration – the period during which the skins remain in contact with the must – lasts just long enough to extract balanced color and structure.

This is followed by 12 months of aging in second and third-passage French oak barrels, which rounds out the tannins and adds spicy and toasted nuances to the aromatic profile. An additional rest of about three months in the bottle completes the process, making the wine ready to be enjoyed or for a period of further aging in the cellar.

Tasting notes

Color

In the glass, it presents an intense ruby red with purple reflections, a sign of youth and vitality. Its clarity anticipates a clean and direct sip.

Nose

The bouquet is broad and enveloping: ripe red fruits like cherry and blackberry intertwine with notes of sweet spices, vanilla, and a hint of licorice. With aeration, delicate balsamic and toasted wood nuances emerge, typical of aging in French oak.

Taste

On the palate, it stands out for its balanced structure and surprising harmony between softness and freshness. The tannins are fine and well integrated, while the acidic streak, typical of Barbera, provides momentum and persistence. The finish is long, juicy, and slightly spicy, inviting another sip.

What dishes to pair with Barbera d'Asti Superiore DOCG 'Cà di Pian' 2023 - La Spinetta

Thanks to its versatility, this Piedmontese red wine pairs deliciously with a wide range of dishes:

• Appetizers: cured meats, vitello tonnato, and bruschetta with mushrooms.
• First courses: pasta with meat ragù, lasagna, mushroom risottos.
• Main courses: grilled red meats, roasts, braised dishes, and aged cheeses.

It also proves excellent with traditional Piedmontese dishes such as bollito misto or rabbit in red wine.

Storage and aging: how to store Barbera d'Asti Superiore DOCG 'Cà di Pian' 2023 - La Spinetta

To preserve its qualities, it is advisable to store Barbera d'Asti Superiore DOCG 'Cà di Pian' 2023 - La Spinetta in a cool, dark place with a controlled temperature between 12 and 16°C, avoiding significant thermal changes and vibrations. The bottle should be kept horizontally, to ensure the cork remains constantly moist and the wine well sealed.

While already pleasantly expressive, this Barbera possesses significant evolutionary potential. It can age for 5-8 years, developing new aromatic nuances and greater roundness on the palate over time, perfect for those who appreciate wines that reveal themselves over time.