What kind of wine is Barbera d'Asti Superiore DOCG 'Passum' 2020 - Cascina Castlèt

The Barbera d'Asti Superiore DOCG 'Passum' 2020 - Cascina Castlèt is a Piedmontese red wine of great personality, made from carefully selected Barbera grapes from vineyards located in the heart of the Asti region. The term "Passum" recalls the ancient tradition of wines made from dried grapes, highlighting a slight overripening of the fruit that enriches the wine with body and softness. It is an intense and enveloping red, with a decisive yet elegant character, perfect for those seeking a structured yet approachable wine.

Vintage details

The 2020 vintage was characterized by a balanced climate, with warm but not excessive summers and excellent diurnal temperature variation. These were ideal conditions for the ripening of Barbera, which achieved a perfect balance between sugars, acidity, and aromatic concentration. From these conditions comes a harmonious and well-balanced wine, capable of expressing both intensity and finesse.

Vinification and aging

After a late harvest that allows the grapes to reach a higher sugar content, fermentation takes place slowly at a controlled temperature to preserve the primary aromas of the fruit. This is followed by prolonged maceration on the skins, useful for extracting color and velvety tannins. The wine then ages in French oak barriques and medium-sized barrels for several months, acquiring complexity, roundness, and delicate spicy notes.

Tasting notes

The Barbera d'Asti Superiore DOCG 'Passum' 2020 - Cascina Castlèt is a wine that captivates with its sensory richness. Each stage of tasting reveals new details and nuances, making it a complete experience even for less experienced palates.

Color

Visually, it presents a deep ruby red with violet reflections, a sign of its youth and concentration. The brilliance of the color testifies to the good integrity of the fruit and the care in winemaking.

Nose

The aromatic profile is broad and intense: notes of ripe red fruit, plum, and kirsch are recognized, blended with elegant hints of vanilla, cocoa, and sweet spices derived from the wood. As minutes pass, more complex nuances of tobacco and licorice emerge.

Palate

On the palate, it is full, warm, and harmonious. The typical acidity of Barbera is well balanced by the wine's softness and structure, delivering an enveloping and persistent sip. The tannins are fine and smooth, contributing to a long sensation of balance and pleasantness.

Food pairings for Barbera d'Asti Superiore DOCG 'Passum' 2020 - Cascina Castlèt

Versatile yet characterful, this Barbera pairs perfectly with traditional Piedmontese dishes and many tasty Italian preparations. It is an excellent companion for:

• braised and stewed beef;
• game or roasted meats;
• egg pasta with meat ragù;
• aged and hard cheeses.

Also ideal for accompanying an important dinner or a relaxing moment in front of a flavorful dish.

Storage and aging: how to store Barbera d'Asti Superiore DOCG 'Passum' 2020 - Cascina Castlèt wine

To maintain the wine's qualities, it is advisable to store it in a cool place, with a stable temperature between 12 and 16°C, away from direct light and heat sources. The bottle should be kept horizontally to keep the cork moist.

Thanks to its structure and good tannic framework, Passum 2020 has excellent evolutionary potential: it can age in the bottle for 6-8 years, developing more complex and enveloping notes over time. A wine to be enjoyed immediately, but one that also rewards those who know how to wait.