Bricco dei Merli Barbera d’Alba DOC – 2012
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Introduction
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Merli is the name of the hill where this vineyard is located; “Bricco,” or “hill,” indicates that this vineyard is located at the very top of the hill.
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Vineyard Profile
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100% estate vineyards
- Cultivation: 100% organic (not yet certified)
- Size: 3.5 hectares (8.65 acres)
- Vine Age: 1 hectare (2.47 acres) is newly planted, not yet productive; 1 hectare is 20 years old; 0.5 hectare is 15 years old; 1 hectare is 30 years old
- Soil: Limestone/clay, with a small percentage of sand
- Elevation: 300 meters (984 feet)
- Density: 4,500 vines/hectare (1,821 vines/acre)
- Training: Vertical trellising, Guyot pruning
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Vintage Report
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The winter was warm until the end of January, when the temperature collapsed, and for a month we endured a very cold spell with temperatures as low as minus 15 C (5 F) and a great deal of snow. The start of the vegetative activity in the vineyards was delayed. The spring months were somewhat cold and rainy, only by the end of June did the temperatures rise to normal. July and August were warm without excessive heat, while autumn was mild and dry.
- Harvest Date(s): September 26-30
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Vinification
- Fermentation: 100% in stainless steel fermenters with 9-12 days skin contact, temperature-controlled,with automatic pump-overs; 100% with indigenous yeast
- Malolactic: 100% in steel fermenters
- Barrel Aging: 1 year in used 25-hectoliter (660-gallon) Slavonian oak
- Filtration: None
- Bottle Aging: 6 months
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Technical Information
- Varietal Composition: 100% Barbera
- Alcohol: 14%
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Tasting Notes
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Bright ruby red in color with clear crimson highlights. Deep, full perfumes, elegant, well-balanced and enduring, reminiscent of rose, undergrowth and oriental spices. Very powerful bouquet, sweetened by overall softness. Fine structure accompanied by lively acidic freshness. Flavors conjure up Morello cherry and plum jam with a long finish of withered grape.
Serving Suggestions: At 18 C (64 F) with tasty dishes such as pasta and red meat, medium-mature soft, fatty cheeses at 18 C (64 F).
Aging Potential: 10-15 years
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Images
Reviews
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Bricco dei Merli Barbera d’Alba DOC – 2012 – 90 points – jamessuckling.com
"Tangy and fruity with dark-chocolate and plum character. Full body, fresh acidity and a clean finish."
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Bricco dei Merli Barbera d’Alba DOC – 2012 – 90 points – Wine Spectator
"Plum, almond and chocolate flavors permeate this concentrated, powerful red. On the chunky side, with a firm structure. Ideal for dishes like bagna cauda, agnolotti or salumi."
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Bricco dei Merli Barbera d’Alba DOC – 2012
Elegant, well-balanced and enduring, reminiscent of rose and oriental spices. Powerful bouquet, sweetened by overall softness. Fine structure accompanied by lively acidic freshness. Flavors conjure up Morello cherry and plum jam with a long finish.