Wine Details

E. Pira E Figli Barbera D'Alba DOC

Of Piedmont’s three principal red grape varieties, Barbera is the most representative of the region, producing a medium-bodied wine that is enjoyable young, but can also age quite well for a few years. This Barbera d’Alba spends more than a year in oak barrels, granting it the “Superiore” designation and making for a more expressive wine. An intense ruby red with violet reflections, red fruits with a hint of spice come through on the nose. A full, round palate is supported by the marked acidity typical of this variety, imparting freshness and a harmonious finish.

Region:

Producer:

E. Pira E Figli (Chiara Boschis)

Classification:

Barbera D'Alba DOC

Variety:

100% Barbera

Number of bottles produced:

8,700 bottles

Production area:

Borgata Conterni (Mosconi), San Giuseppe (Ravera) in Monforte d'Alba, and (Gabutti) in Serralunga d'Alba

Altitude:

350 m

Age of vines:

40 years

Yield:

2,200 kg/ha

Vinification:

Fermentation and maceration in stainless steel tanks for 6-10 days, with temperature about 18-20° C to encourage malolactic fermentation

Refining:

Aging in second and third passage French oak barriques for 16 months, lightly filtered

Alcohol content:

14%

Soil:

Clay lime marls from the tertiary period

Harvest:

Mid-September

First vintage:

2009

Cellar:

E. Pira Chiara Boschis, Barolo

Bottling:

Aged for a minimum of 2 months in bottle

Release:

Spring, 1.5 years after harvest

Recent press reviews

91

E. Pira & Figli Barbera D'Alba DOC 2020

Wine Spectator (91)- "This has depth and suppleness to the cherry, blackberry and plum fruit flavors, with flashes of violet and almond underlined by vibrant acidity and a mineral vein. Shows fine balance and length. Drink now through 2027. 290 cases made, 50 cases imported."

91

E. Pira & Figli Barbera D'Alba DOC 2019

Wine Spectator (91)- "High-pitched and racy, evoking floral, blackberry and white pepper flavors. Pure, elegant and balanced, leaving a chalky feel on the finish. Drink now through 2025. 290 cases made."

91

E. Pira & Figli Barbera D'Alba DOC 2017

Vinous Media (91)- "The 2017 Barbera d'Alba Superiore is a heady, exotic wine, Inky and deep in the glass, the Superiore captures all of the natural richness of this dry, warm year in its dark flavor profile and concentrated fel. Althought not at all subtle, the 2017 packs a real puch. Inky fruit, chocolate, leather, spice and menthol are all amped up in this decidedly flamboyant Barbera. "