Barbera Reserve
This wine of Piemonte, Italy, has long been a strong favorite in our list, for varietal expression and its adaptability to a broad range of possible culinary pairings. It is also the favorite discovery in red wines, for palates previously tending toward whites, and with any requirement of avoiding bold tannins. Barbera refreshes the dining experience of everyone.
Vintage Factors
Year
2020
Cellar Life
5yrs
A unique and most challenging growing season, beginning with 8 nights of Spring frosts that reduced the yields. A wet late Spring, a record cold June followed by a very dry period in July, when we almost had to irrigate. Mid-Summer was a rollercoaster of rains followed by sunshine. At last we enjoyed a dry end of September for harvest. All white varietals show great aromatics, very fresh acidity, and medium structure. Our most reliable parcels of Nebbiolo, Cabernet Franc, and Petit Verdot rewarded our dedication with very elegant and age-worthy wines, while Cabernet Sauvignon yielded a fragrant yet simpler style of red. Octagon 2020 will be produced from Merlot, Cabernet Franc, and Petit Verdot, without Cabernet Sauvignon.
Vinification
Fermentation | 5-7 days in stainless steel |
Maceration | 3-5 days |
Composition | Barbera 100% |
Aging | 8 months, used French oak barriques |
Analysis | Alcohol, 13.0% |
Residual Sugars, 0.2% | |
Total Acidity, 0.61% |