Alessandro Rivetto Barbera d'Alba 2016
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The passion for wine and the deep experience of the sector, gained in the field over long years of learning and observation, are an integral part of his personal history and are the essential features of the Alessandro Rivetto farm. It was Alessandro’s grandfather Ercole who taught him to know the vineyard and the cellar and, before him, his great-grandfather Giovanni; thus, began his love and life story for wine.
Hercules, starting from a deep bond with his territory of origin, knew how to transform his father's intuitions into a drive to explore new production possibilities. But more than anything else, it gave him the pleasure of smiling while working. From him, Alessandro, also learned this: love what you do and do what you love, bringing a smile to those he meets and those who taste his wine.
That same spirit, stubborn yet light, aware but not serious, is the same that he found in 2012 thanks to his partner Alessandro Bonelli, oenologist, who today takes care of all the technical aspects of corporate production. The same that he rediscovered in Mauro Adriano, who joined bringing his deep knowledge of international markets to the company.
They produce wines capable of exciting, telling their origin of effort and pleasure, of hard work but of propensity to share. For them, that dream is today an exciting exploration of what their vineyards can offer year after year. But it is also the challenge they face towards new interlocutors who appreciate their wines in every corner of the world.
Because, they are sure, in addition to the vines they like to cultivate the wonder, the true and pure smile that the beauty of their work can give.
Friendly and approachable, Barbera produces wines in a wide range of styles, from youthful, fresh and fruity to serious, structured and age-worthy. Piedmont is the most famous source of Barbera; those from Asti and Alba garner the most praise. Barbera actually can adapt to many climates and enjoys success in some New World regions. Somm Secret—In the past it wasn’t common or even accepted to age Barbera in oak but today both styles—oaked and unoaked—abound and in fact most Piedmontese producers today produce both styles.
An historic village situated right in between the famous regions of Barolo and Barbaresco, Alba is also the name for the larger wine region surrounding the village.
In a sense, “Alba” is a catch-all phrase, and includes the declassified Nebbiolo wines made in Barolo and Barbaresco, as well as the Nebbiolo grown just outside of these regions’ borders. In fact, Nebbiolo d’Alba is a softer, less tannic and more fruit-forward wine ready to drink within just a couple years of bottling. It is a great place to start if you want to begin to understand the grape. Likewise, the even broader category of Langhe Nebbiolo offers approachable and value-driven options as well.
Barbera, planted alongside Nebbiolo in the surrounding hills, and referred to as Barbera d’Alba, takes on a more powerful and concentrated personality compared to its counterparts in Asti.
Dolcetto is ubiquitous here and, known as Dolcetto d'Alba, can be found casually served alongside antipasti on the tables of Alba’s cafes and wine bars.
Not surprisingly, given its location, Alba is recognized as one of Italy’s premiere culinary destinations and is the home of the fall truffle fair, which attracts visitors from worldwide every year.