2020 Barbera d’Asti ‘Ceppi Storici’, Araldica, Piemonte, Italy

£10.75 inc. VAT

Sourced from over 40 year old vines, this Barbera shows concentrated fruit – balanced by pepper and spice. Araldica have produced this wine for more than half a century – the first vintage being in 1954. Aged for at least a year in both large oak casks and smaller barriques, this classic Barbera d’Asti shows layer upon layer of rich, generous brambly fruits.

Ceppi Storici comes from vineyards in the Monferrato hills in the south of the province of Asti, Piemonte. South West aspects at altitudes between 250 and 400m. Limestone-clay soil. Piemonte low Guyot trellis. Planting density 4,000-4,500 vines/ha. The fruit was hand harvested in late September / early October from vines over 40 years old. Fermented in stainless steel tanks at 25-30° C. Pressed when dry and racked to stainless steel tanks for malolactic fermentation. The clear wine was then racked to a mixture of French oak barrels (50%) and large traditional Piemonte oak vats for 12 months maturation. These two components were then blended and bottled.

Warm, spicy aromas of blueberries and plums, with subtle, smoky notes. The palate combines generous ripe fruit with lively acidity, with juicy cherry and more plum fruit, and meaty, spicy notes beneath. Soft oak tannins offer an extra dimension to the texture. A refreshing smack of fruity acidity on the finish gives plenty of definition to the ripe fruit. Great with simple dishes such as pizza and pasta, or drink with lamb shank.

14.5%