Castello di Neive

Barbera d'Alba "Santo Stefano"

Castello di Neive

Barbera d'Alba "Santo Stefano"

The Barbera grapes for this wine come from the famed Santo Stefano vineyard which initially surprised critics, as this vineyard is typically reserved for the hallowed Nebbiolo. This 100% Barbera proved them wrong as it expresses the depth for which Santo Stefano is known while still retaining Barbera's signature fruit.

Wine Production

The grapes for this wine are pressed and then allowed to mature for 9 months in large wooden vats to allow the wines to mellow and develop their complexity.

Tasting Notes

Dark ruby red in color with hints of crushed raspberries and violets, undertones of herbs, woodland berries and cacao. On the palate, velvety tannins and a medium body make for an elegant, yet structured wine.

Food Pairing

Pairs well with medium-aged cheeses, ragu pasta sauces, truffle-infused Piemontese omelets, and roasted lamb shank.

The Barbera grapes for this wine come from the famed Santo Stefano vineyard which initially surprised critics, as this vineyard is typically reserved for the hallowed Nebbiolo. This 100% Barbera proved them wrong as it expresses the depth for which Santo Stefano is known while still retaining Barbera's signature fruit.

Wine Production

The grapes for this wine are pressed and then allowed to mature for 9 months in large wooden vats to allow the wines to mellow and develop their complexity.

Tasting Notes

Dark ruby red in color with hints of crushed raspberries and violets, undertones of herbs, woodland berries and cacao. On the palate, velvety tannins and a medium body make for an elegant, yet structured wine.

Food Pairing

Pairs well with medium-aged cheeses, ragu pasta sauces, truffle-infused Piemontese omelets, and roasted lamb shank.

Vineyard & Production Info

Production area/appellation:
Barbera d'Alba DOC
Vineyard name:
The Santo Stefano vineyards
Vineyard size:
6 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:
1948-2005
Harvest time:
end of September
First vintage of this wine:
1978
Bottles produced of this wine:
12,000
Average Vine Age:
25

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:
Racking, Pumpovers, and Aeration
Malolactic fermentation:
Yes
Type of aging container:
Barrels and Stainless steel tanks
Size of aging container:
3500 L
Type of oak:
French: Allier and Tronçais
Length of aging before bottling:
6 months
Age of Aging Container:
Ten years
Length of bottle aging:
6 months
Total SO2:
91

Analytical Data

pH level:
3.4
Acidity:
6.6 g/L
Alcohol:
14.5 %
Dry extract:
29.9 g/L
Total SO2:
91
Residual sugar:
0.6 g/L

About the Vineyard

Santo Stefano is one of the best vineyards in the Langhe, particularly in the Barbaresco area. It is located in Neive, in the subzone called Albesani, occupying the areas closest to the Tanaro River. Unique for its exposure and inclination, age of the vines and size.