Josetta Saffirio - Barbera d'Alba Superiore

A serious Barbera: full, warm and refined

Barbera is a well-known grape from Italy's Piedmont region: energetic, generous and always honest. In the hands of Sara Vezza of Josetta Saffirio, however, Barbera d'Alba Superiore achieves that extra level, more depth, more structure and, above all, more refinement.

The vineyards are located on calcareous, mineral-rich soils with a balanced mix of loam, clay and sand. This combination gives the wine its fresh tension and its full, ripe fruit character. The grapes are harvested by hand, fully destemmed and gently pressed. After fermentation, the wine remains in contact with the skins for another 8 to 10 days. It then matures in wooden barrels. The wood provides roundness and complexity, without overpowering the character of the Barbera.

What you then see in your glass is a deep ruby red colour. On the nose, ripe cherries and blackcurrants, complemented by subtle spiciness and a light touch of wood. On the palate, it is juicy and supple, with lively acidity, ripe fruit and a surprisingly elegant structure. The finish is warm, round and beautifully balanced.

This is Barbera as we like to see it: powerful but not heavy, generous but not clumsy. A wine that shows how much finesse this grape can have when yield, soil and maturation are perfectly balanced. It is delicious with hearty pasta dishes, stews or grilled meat. Also ideal as a table wine for long dinners.

A versatile Piedmont classic with extra depth, accessible to drink immediately, but you can also cellar it for a while.