Fratelli Alessandria Barbera d'Alba '23

The Alessandria family has been in Verduno, at the northern edge of the Barolo zone, since the mid-19th century. Now led by the fifth generation, the brothers and winemakers Alessandro and Vittore Alessandria, Fratelli Alessandria is best known for its Barolo wines, made from Piedmont’s signature grape variety, Nebbiolo, while producing excellent wines from the region’s other varieties as well, including Pelaverga and Barbera d’Alba, often characterized as fruitier and more approachable varieties.
 
The bottling is made solely from Barbera harvested from estate vines in Neirane, west-facing at 990 to 1,200 feet, and Cristiani, west-facing at 750 to 840 feet. The soils are locally called marne di Sant’Agata, a mix of sand and clay with a high proportion of limestone, unique to Verduno. The vines are about 20 years old on average. After harvest, the grapes are destemmed and fermented with indigenous yeasts in temperature-controlled, stainless steel tanks. The wine is aged for six months in tank, then two months in bottle. 
 

This is textbook Barbera. Beautiful nose combining both red fruit, such as raspberry and wild strawberry, and notes of rose petal, spice, and cacao nibs. The palate is medium bodied, with soft tannins, bright fruit, and an energetic finish. Delicious!