Cascina Ghercina Barbera d'Alba 2021
Nestled in the renowned Langhe region, Cascina Ghercina brings forth a collection of wines that embody the essence of this esteemed territory, captivating the palates of wine enthusiasts with their exceptional quality. Situated in Novello, on the border with the illustrious village of Barolo, the cellar draws from the vineyards encircling Lake Ghercina to craft wines deeply rooted in the Piedmont winemaking heritage. At the heart of Cascina Ghercina's production are the prominent grape varieties - Nas-cëtta, dolcetto, barbera and nebbiolo - each contributing to the creation of remarkable wines that are a testament to the region's viticultural prowess. Among these, the illustrious Barolo stands as a pinnacle of winemaking mastery, meticulously vinified to gratify even the most discerning connoisseurs. Driven by the vision of Paolo and Guido Sartirano, Cascina Ghercina is a testament to their passion for Piedmontese wines, a dedication to offering wine aficionados a selection that exudes both quality and tradition. The cellar's unwavering commitment to honouring the land, relentless pursuit of excellence, and profound passion are values deeply ingrained, passed down through generations and now harmoniously fused with modern technological advancements. The wines of Cascina Ghercina are a reflection of Piedmont, particularly the Langhe, historically revered for their vine-friendly terroir. Here, amidst the captivating landscapes of Novello, with Lake Ghercina at its heart and the surrounding vineyards, the journey begins - a journey that culminates in the pleasure of sharing tradition and the enchantment of exceptional wine, gracing tables around the world with the true essence of Piedmontese viticulture.
Barbera vines have been cultivated in territories that historically belonged to the Marquis and later the Duchy of Monferrato, with documented traces of its presence dating back to the mid-1200s. Its prominence surged in the nineteenth century when it was favoured for the production of wines intended for widespread consumption. While the area dedicated to this grape variety has diminished over time, it continues to command significant attention, leading to close competition with the revered Nebbiolo variety. Known for its robust nature and deep red colour, Barbera stands as the most prevalent grape variety in Piedmont, both in terms of surface area and territory. Characterized by compact grape clusters and leaves that turn a vibrant red in autumn, Barbera yields wines that offer a delightful freshness in the mouth, owing to the inherent acidity of this grape. Depending on the specific terroir in which it is cultivated, Barbera has the potential to produce wines with exceptional structure, often suitable for aging in oak, showcasing the versatility and depth of this esteemed grape variety.
Barbera, the quintessential Piedmontese grape, embodies tradition and stands as the daily protagonist of the rural local world. This wine captivates with an astonishing olfactory finesse and sweetness. Its precious ruby colour eloquently attests to the grapes' maturity at harvest, foreshadowing the presence of ripe fruit and subtle liquorice notes that gracefully unfold on the palate. With a smooth, velvety texture, it imparts a delightful warmth, leaving a lingering sensation that evokes the luxurious touch of velvet.
Cascina Ghercina Barbera d'Alba 2021 is a prime example of 100% Barbera from the Langhe region, crafted through meticulous vinification including crushing, destemming, and fermentation in stainless steel at a controlled temperature of 28-30°C, followed by an 8-day maceration on the skins with daily pumping of the must over the cap and subsequent aging in oak casks. This wine presents a rich structure, an expansive bouquet featuring ripe fruit and a mouth-filling, long finish. Perfectly complementing fondue, lasagna, stewed meat, grilled fillet and mature cheeses, it offers a versatile culinary pairing. With a cellar life of 5 years and best served at a temperature of 16° - 18° C, this Barbera d'Alba 2021 embodies the essence of Piedmontese winemaking tradition and is poised to delight discerning palates.
The Finer Details
Style - Red Wine
Varietal - Barbera d'Alba
Country - Italy
Region - Piedmont
Vintage - 2021
Bottle Size - 750ml
ABV - 14%