Castello di Neive

Barbera d'Alba Superiore

Barbera & Barbera-based Blends

Castello di Neive

Barbera d'Alba Superiore

Barbera & Barbera-based Blends

The Superiore version of Castello di Neive's Barbera d'Alba is only produced in the best vintages and represents a selection of the best Barbera grapes from their Marcorino vineyard. Here, they follow strict green harvesting (removal of immature bunches) and plant only on south-facing slopes thus yielding a wine of great ripeness. It is made from 100% Barbera grapes and serves as a reminder of Barbera's potential. After fermentation, this wine is aged for at least 1 year in oak barriques (225-L French oak barrels) to round out the wine.

Tasting Notes

Deep ruby red, intense aromas of black fruits and licorice complement chocolate, mocha, and hints of Ti-Tree oil. Great acidity and well-integrated oak lead to great structure and a long finish.

Food Pairing

Pairs well with roast beef, Espagnole sauces, spicy ricotta cheeses, and even lamb curries.

The Superiore version of Castello di Neive's Barbera d'Alba is only produced in the best vintages and represents a selection of the best Barbera grapes from their Marcorino vineyard. Here, they follow strict green harvesting (removal of immature bunches) and plant only on south-facing slopes thus yielding a wine of great ripeness. It is made from 100% Barbera grapes and serves as a reminder of Barbera's potential. After fermentation, this wine is aged for at least 1 year in oak barriques (225-L French oak barrels) to round out the wine.

Tasting Notes

Deep ruby red, intense aromas of black fruits and licorice complement chocolate, mocha, and hints of Ti-Tree oil. Great acidity and well-integrated oak lead to great structure and a long finish.

Food Pairing

Pairs well with roast beef, Espagnole sauces, spicy ricotta cheeses, and even lamb curries.

Vineyard & Production Info

Production area/appellation:
Barbera d'Alba DOC
Vineyard name:
Marcorino
Vineyard size:
1.7 acres
Soil composition:
Calcareous
Training method:
Guyot
Elevation:
825 feet
Vines/acre:
1,600
Yield/acre:
3.6 tons
Exposure:
Southern / Southwestern
Year vineyard planted:
2004
Harvest time:
September
First vintage of this wine:
1985
Bottles produced of this wine:
6,000
Average Vine Age:
5

Winemaking & Aging

Maceration length:
10
Varietal composition:
100% Barbera
Fermentation container:
Stainless steel tanks
Length of alcoholic fermentation:
10 days
Fermentation temperature:
82 °F
Maceration technique:
Pumpovers and Aeration
Malolactic fermentation:
Yes
Type of aging container:
Barriques
Size of aging container:
225 L
Type of oak:
French oak: Allier
Length of aging before bottling:
1 year
Age of Aging Container:
1 - 5 years
Length of bottle aging:
6 months

Analytical Data

pH level:
3.45
Acidity:
5.7 g/L
Alcohol:
14.5 %
Dry extract:
28 g/L
Residual sugar:
2 g/L