Castello di Neive

Santo Stefano Barbera d'Alba

Castello di Neive

Santo Stefano Barbera d'Alba

The Barbera grapes for this wine come from the famed Santo Stefano vineyard which initially caused critics to believe Italo Stupino crazy 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. 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 make this wine truly unforgettable. 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 caused critics to believe Italo Stupino crazy 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. 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 make this wine truly unforgettable. 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:
Santo Stefano
Vineyard size:
3.7 acres
Soil composition:
Calcareous
Training method:
Guyot
Elevation:
825 feet
Vines/acre:
1.6
Yield/acre:
3.6 tons
Exposure:
South/southwest
Year vineyard planted:
1948; 1979; 2001; 2005
Harvest time:
October
First vintage of this wine:
1979
Bottles produced of this wine:
13,000

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, aeration, and delestage
Malolactic fermentation:
Yes
Type of aging container:
Barrels and stainless steel
Size of aging container:
3500 L
Type of oak:
French
Length of aging before bottling:
9 months
Age of Aging Container:
six years
Length of bottle aging:
6 months

Analytical Data

pH level:
3.45
Acidity:
6 g/L
Alcohol:
14.5 %
Dry extract:
29 g/L
Residual sugar:
2.5 g/L