Pre-Phylloxera Barbera d’Alba DOC – 2013
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Introduction
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This selection of Barbera is called “Pre-Phylloxera” because it is the only Barbera d’Alba DOC produced from ungrafted vines of Barbera. The wine is a unique and exclusive product — to taste this wine is to discover the original characteristics of the indigenous Barbera grape. The vineyard was planted more than 120 years ago, before the arrival of Phylloxera in Langhe, and has survived due to the sandy soil in this location, which Phylloxera, a root-feeding aphid, cannot abide. The vines come from pre-grafted plants and are propagated by cuttings.
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Vineyard Profile
- Location: in Località Berri, in the village of La Morra
- Cultivation: 100% organic (not yet certified)
- Size: 0.25 hectare (0.62 acre)
- Vine Age: 120-plus years
- Soil: Very rich in sand, which is a natural protection from Phylloxera attacks
- Elevation: 520 meters (1,706 feet)
- Exposure: Southern
- Density: 4,500 vines/acre (1,821 vines/acre)
- Training: Vertical trellising, Guyot pruning
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Vintage Report
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Following a cold winter without excess, yet a good amount of snow, February and March were rainy and very humid which delayed budbreak. June, July and August were warm and dry. Autumn was dry and windy, with harvest delayed by seven to 10 days compared to our normal harvest dates; yields were within an average range.
- Harvest Date(s): October 1
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Vinification
- Fermentation: 100% in stainless steel fermentors with 9-12 days skin contact, temperature-controlled, automatic pump-overs; 100% with indigenous yeast
- Malolactic: 100% in steel fermentors
- Aging: 1 year in used, 25-hl (660-gallon) Slavonian oak
- Filtration: None
- Bottle Aging: 6 months
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Technical Information
- Varietal Composition: 100% Barbera
- Production (in cases): 350 (6/750ml); 150 (1/1.5)
- Cases Imported: 150 (6/750ml); 12 (1/1.5L)
- Alcohol: 14%
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Tasting Notes
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A bright, rich ruby color with intense purplish highlights. The aroma is enveloping, aromatic and deep, with noticeable spices on first impact and raspberry, strawberry and ripe cherry notes, finishing with pleasant harmonies of wild flowers. On the palate it is well-structured and fresh; the acidity is excellently balanced, the tannin characteristic is embracing and the flavors remind one of sour cherries, blackberries and prunes.
Serving Suggestions: At 18 C (64 F) with starter dishes with meaty sauces and also red or wild meat; it does justice to strong cheeses – savory or seasoned
Aging Potential: 10-15 years
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Images
Reviews
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Pre-Phylloxera Barbera d’Alba DOC – 2013 – 90 points – Wine & Spirits
“Aged one year in large Slavonian casks, the wine is densely concentrated yet never feels heavy, a streak of acidity brightening the dark flavors, the blackberry and plum notes layered with clove and black tea.”
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Pre-Phylloxera Barbera d’Alba DOC – 2013 – 90 points – Wine Spectator
"An elegant version, bursting with raspberry and cherry flavors, showing accents of violet and mineral. Balanced and consistent from start to finish, with a fruity aftertaste."
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Pre-Phylloxera Barbera d’Alba DOC – 2013
There are aromas of spices, raspberry, strawberry and ripe cherry notes, finishing with a pleasant harmony of wild flowers. The acidity is balanced, the tannins are embracing and the flavors remind one of sour cherries, blackberries and prunes.