Winemaker Notes
One of the great names in Piedmontese winemaking, Cantine dei Marchesi di Barolo dates back as far as the 12th century, when the land-owning Falletti family of Piedmont's Barolo district was granted titles of nobility. Today the estate owns about 100 acres of vineyard in the Langhe, including some of the finest vineyards in the district. The Marchesi di Barolo cellars have been owned since 1929 by the Abbona family, who make their home in the large, yellow-fronted villa overlooking the terra cotta rooftops of the picturesque village of Barolo. Like their Falletti predecessors the Abbonas are committed to conserving the estate's time-honored reputation.
Production Area
From select vineyards in the heart of Piedmont's Langhe district
Grape Varieties
100% Barbera
Vinification
Grapes are handpicked, de-stemmed and softly pressed. Fermentation takes place in thermo-conditioned vats at a controlled temperature of 85ºF. Maceration lasts about 7-8 days 70% of the wine is aged for about one year in Slavonian oak barrels, while the remaining 30% is aged in American oak, to enhance suppleness, balance and the wine's bouquet of pronounced finesse
Color
Deep ruby red
Bouquet
Charming, with hints of woodland berries and appealing vanilla overtones
Taste
Lively, Full-bodied and well-rounded
Serving Suggestions
This wine makes a delightful accompaniment to roast and most red meats. Serve at a moderate room temperature
Professional Ratings
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.