What kind of wine is Barbera d’Asti Superiore Nizza DOCG 'Riserva della Famiglia' 2018 - Coppo

The Barbera d’Asti Superiore Nizza DOCG 'Riserva della Famiglia' 2018 - Coppo originates from a small cru located in the territory of Castelnuovo Calcea, in the heart of the prestigious Nizza subzone. It is a full-bodied and complex Piedmontese red wine, produced exclusively in vintages considered exceptional and in very limited quantities. Made with 100% Barbera grapes, it best expresses the characteristics of this varietal: aromatic intensity, balanced freshness, and a generous body. It is the flagship label of the Coppo winery, considered one of the most elegant and powerful interpretations of Barbera d’Asti Superiore.

Vintage details

The 2018 vintage was characterized by balanced weather conditions, with a mild spring and a warm but not excessive summer. The grapes reached full ripeness, maintaining excellent concentration of aromas and perfect acidic freshness, factors that contributed to the balance and longevity of this Riserva. The harvest was done by hand, selecting only the best bunches, to guarantee a wine of absolute purity and quality.

Winemaking and aging

After gentle crushing, the must remains in contact with the skins for a period of maceration to extract color and structure. During alcoholic fermentation, short pump-overs are performed to keep the aromatic component alive. This is followed by malolactic fermentation, a natural process that softens the acidity, making the wine rounder and more harmonious. Aging takes place in French oak barriques for a long period, during which the wine evolves, acquiring elegance, depth, and olfactory complexity.

Tasting notes

The Barbera d’Asti Superiore Nizza DOCG 'Riserva della Famiglia' 2018 - Coppo is a wine of great sensory expression, combining power and refinement in perfect balance.

Color

To the eye, it presents an intense ruby red with garnet reflections, a sign of the long aging and maturity of the wine.

Nose

On the nose, it expresses a complex and enveloping bouquet, with notes of ripe cherry, dried plum, and sweet spices. Elegant hints of vanilla, cocoa, and a slightly toasted background due to wood aging are discernible.

Palate

On the palate, it is broad and velvety. The fine but present tannin accompanies a robust structure balanced by a pleasant acidity. The persistence is long, with a finish of black fruits and spices that give depth and character.

Food pairings for Barbera d’Asti Superiore Nizza DOCG 'Riserva della Famiglia' 2018 - Coppo

This wine pairs perfectly with dishes of strong and structured flavor. It is ideal with:

• grilled or braised red meats, such as brasato al Barbera or fillet with green pepper;
• aged Piedmontese cheeses like Castelmagno or Raschera;
• traditional Italian dishes like baked lasagna, ossobuco, or stewed game.

Also excellent to enjoy on its own, as a meditation wine.

Storage and aging

To maintain its qualities, it is important to know how to store Barbera d’Asti Superiore Nizza DOCG 'Riserva della Famiglia' 2018 - Coppo wine. The wine should be kept in a cool environment, with a constant temperature around 14-16 °C, away from direct light and vibrations. Bottles should be stored horizontally, so that the cork remains constantly moist. Thanks to its structure and tannic maturity, this Barbera d’Asti Superiore Nizza DOCG has an excellent aging potential, which can exceed 10 years. With time, it develops further nuances of dried fruit, spices, and chocolate, offering an increasingly deep and fascinating tasting experience.