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

92

E. Pira & Figli Barbera D'Alba DOC 2021

Jeb Dunnuck (92)- "A deeper, more opaque hue, the 2021 Barbera D'Alba Superiore offers notes of graphite, lavender, and plum. It is medium to full-bodied but doesn't feel weighted and has fresh acidity and sweet tannins. Its notes of berries and fresh herbs last long on a clean finish. Drink over the next 5-8 years."

93

E. Pira & Figli Barbera D'Alba DOC 2020

Jeb Dunnuck (93)- "The 2020 Barbera D'Alba Superiore is transparent with a rich ruby and youthful luminescence and is fragrant with the sweet perfume of blackberry, candied violets, and sweet herbs. It is medium bodied with freshness throughout and has a bit more depth. Drink 2023-2030."

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."