Barbera d'Asti superiore Carlo Alfieri 2015
DOCG, Marchesi Alfieri, 750 ml
| Grape variety: | Barbera |
| Producer: | Marchesi Alfieri |
| Origin: | Italy / Piemont / Barbera d'Asti |
| Other vintages: |
Description
Character, depth, and elegance are what sets "Carlo" apart. Exclusively produced during exceptional vintages with Barbera grapes that best express the identity of the grape, this wine is the result of a patient aging process. Carlo Alfieri is a dream come true for Marchesi Alfieri: the winery will be releasing the limited edition 2015 vintage (an exceptional one for the Barbera grape), with only 1,750 bottles available. Complex, broad and enveloping bouquet, revealing a perfect balance between hints of ripe dark cherry and blackberry, with hints of coffee, cocoa and a light balsamic note. The mouth is full and well- structured, unveiling a silky tannic texture and persistent sensations. Carlo Alfieri truly enhances the unique characteristics of our terroir. This wine is produced exclusively when it fully reaches utmost complexity and elegance.
Attributes
| Origin: | Italy / Piemont / Barbera d'Asti |
| Grape variety: | Barbera |
| Ripening potential: | 3 to 12 years after harvest |
| Drinking temperature: | 16 to 18 °C |
| Food Pairing: | Brasato di manzo al Barolo, Roasted lamb gigot, Beef Stroganoff, Bistecca fiorentina, T-Bone steak, Wild boar entrecôte with Spätzli, Cheese board |
| Vinification: | fully destemmed, long must fermentation |
| Harvest: | hand-picking, strict selection |
| Maturation: | in tonneau, partly in barrique/ Pièces |
| Maturation duration: | 18 months |
| Volume: | 15.0 % |
| Note: | Contains sulphites |
Marchesi Alfieri
At the intersection of Roero, Langhe and Monforte, between Asti and Alba, lies the small medieval village of San Martino Alfieri. The magnificent baroque castle of the Marchesi Alfieri and the Azienda building are located on the hill.
The winery is run by three sisters, Emanuela, Antonella and Giovanna San Martino di San Germano, direct descendants of the Marchesi Alfieri. The winemaker Mario Olivero has been at their side for many years.
The Alfieri have been living here since 1616, and have been closely connected with the Piedmont region and its history since. They have asserted their influence honourably in literature, architecture and politics. The magnificent chambers, halls and the romantic orangery speak of an eventful family history at every turn. The huge park is a feast for the eyes and quickens the heart of any botanist or gardener.
Barbera
The all-around culinary companion
The Barbera grape is one of the cornerstones of the Piedmont. It lends its name to three cultivation areas: Barbera d’Asti, Barbera d’Alba and Barbera di Monferrato. There are fierce rivalries. Thus the vintners of Asti assert that their Barbera is better than those from Alba, because the best sites in Alba are reserved for Barolo and Barberesco. The truth is, there are all kinds of Barbera: young and fruity, ripe and complex, simple or sophisticated. The best representatives are ruby red with pure, sweet cherry fruit, soft body and fresh acidity. They are fantastic culinary companions: there is scarcely any Italian dish with which they do not fit. The variety is well-distributed, thanks to the Italian emigrants in California.
Italy
Italy – Where wine is a way of life
The Italian wine regions are extremely diverse, and this is made clear in their wines. Established varieties such as Merlot, Syrah, and Sauvignon can be found on just 15 percent of the total vine growing area. The remaining 85 percent is reserved for autochthonous, indigenous varieties. More than 2,000 different grape varieties are grown under diverse conditions and pressed with various techniques into wines that reach the top tier of the international wine market.
